Colombia are preparing for their return to the World Cup finals, after missing out in Qatar four years ago.
Los Cafeteros lit up the 2014 World Cup, with Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez starring with six goals as they reached the quarter-finals, and they will hope for more of the same 12 years on.
Now 34 years of age, James is still skippering Colombia, and this will surely be his last crack on the biggest stage, while the likes of Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz will provide a serious attacking threat.
Colombia route to the World Cup
Colombia made a strong start in their bid for a return to the finals. Nestor Lorenzo’s side went unbeaten in their opening eight qualifiers in the Conmebol section — in which the top six teams qualify automatically — defeating Argentina along the way.
However, a run of four defeats in five games — and one win in eight — left their hopes of reaching the tournament uncertain.
Nevertheless, back-to-back victories over Bolivia and Venezuela saw them secure third place — ahead of Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay on goal difference, and behind only Argentina and Ecuador — and book their ticket for the finals.
Colombia World Cup 2026 fixtures
Colombia’s return to the finals begins on 17th June, when they face tournament debutants Uzbekistan at the historic Estadio Azteca, which played host to the World Cup final in 1970 and 1986.
Los Cafeteros play again in Mexico six days later against a DR Congo side that qualified via the IC playoff route.
Then comes their crucial clash against Group K favourites Portugal at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 27th June.
It could well determine who finishes top of the group, but either way, Colombia will want points under their belt at the very least heading into that one.
MORE: Get the latest Colombia World Cup 2026 odds here
Colombia key players for World Cup 2026
Colombia top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Luis Diaz
- Key stat: Luis Diaz has scored 21 goals in 72 international appearances, already putting him in fourth place on the list of Colombia’s all-time leading scorers.
Diaz played a key role in helping get Colombia back to the World Cup finals. The Liverpool forward scored seven times during the Conmebol qualifying campaign, with his tally only bettered by a certain Lionel Messi. Los Cafeteros will hope he has an eye for goal again at the tournament proper.
Colombia primary playmaker: James Rodriguez
- Key stat: James Rodriguez was the top scorer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with six goals, also making him his country’s leading marksman in the competition.
Whenever you think about that 2014 World Cup, the exploits of James are among the memories that spring to mind. The most notable is undoubtedly his stunning volley on the turn that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar against Uruguay.
Still starring for his country at the age of 34, James recently joined Minnesota United with a view to getting match sharp ahead of what could be the final time at the tournament.
Colombia card magnets & top tacklers: Jefferson Lerma
- Key stat: Jefferson Lerma was the only Colombia player to be booked in two different matches at the 2024 Copa America
Jefferson Lerma has been booked seven times in the Premier League this season, despite only starting 18 games. The Crystal Palace man was carded twice at the Copa America in 2024 and indeed has been shown 15 cards across his international career. He’ll be tasked with breaking up opposition moves.
Colombia rising star: Gustavo Puerta
The youngest member of this Colombia squad, Gustavo Puerta will be hoping for a break-out tournament after a strong first season with Racing Santander in Spain. The 22 year old, who previously spent a season on loan at Hull City from Bayer Leverkusen is unlikely to be a first-choice start, but he is a physical midfielder who can help his team at both ends of the pitch.
STAND-OUT STAT: Colombia scored the only Olympic goal in World Cup history when Marcos Coll scored directly from a corner in a 4-4 draw with the Soviet Union in 1962.
Colombia set-piece specialists
- Penalties: James Rodriguez
- Free kicks: James Rodriguez
- Corners: James Rodriguez
Colombia tactical analysis and formation
Team stats from qualifying:
- Corners: 4.06 per match (sixth)
- Shots on target: 5.33 per match (first)
- Shots on target conceded: 3.83 per match (sixth)
Lorenzo tends to prefer a 4-2-3-1 formation, with his sides providing a lot of physicality.
Their hardworking nature saw them embark on a 28-match unbeaten run across all competitions, also reaching the Copa America final along the way.
There is a strong Premier League presence within the squad. That is whether it be players currently plying their trade there in Munoz, Lerma and Arias, along with former stars James, Diaz, Ospina and Sanchez.
Experience isn’t lacking either, with record appearance maker Ospina still going strong between the sticks at the age of 37, and James approaching his 36th year.
James will pull the strings in the attacking midfield role behind the chosen centre-forward for Colombia, although that won’t be former Aston Villa man Jhon Duran who has been left out of the squad.
Get the latest Colombia World Cup goals, shots, tackle, assist stats and more here
Colombia manager analysis
Nestor Lorenzo is a man with no shortage of experience around the Colombia camp. He was assistant to Jose Pekerman during their two previous World Cup ventures in 2014 and 2018.
Los Cafeteros, having just failed to qualify for the 2022 finals, were at a low ebb when he succeeded Reinaldo Rueda four years ago, but he certainly turned the tide in their favour.
After masterminding a 28-match unbeaten streak, which included victories over the likes of Germany, Brazil and Spain, he guided Colombia to the 2024 Copa America final, where they were edged out by Argentina in extra time.
Lorenzo has followed that up by steering them back into the World Cup finals, and he has plenty of experience to draw upon when he leads them in the tournament.
The stats below are from his time in charge:
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestor Lorenzo | Colombia | 44 | 26 | 11 | 7 | 83 | 38 | 59.09% |
Colombia World Cup FAQs
Have Colombia ever won the World Cup?
No, Colombia have never won the World Cup. Their best performance in six previous appearances at the tournament came in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals.
Where did Colombia finish at the last World Cup?
Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after finishing sixth in the Conmebol section.
Who will be Colombia captain at the World Cup?
It should be James Rodriguez. The playmaker won the Golden Boot in 2014, as his six goals helped Los Cafeteros reach the quarter-finals.
Who is Colombia’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
James’ six-goal haul in Brazil makes him the leading scorer in Colombia’s World Cup history. Yerry Mina, who netted three times in Russia eight years ago, is second on the list.
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