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Colombia have confirmed their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with star names James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz leading a talented group aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage.

Under head coach Nestor Lorenzo, Colombia have steadily built a solid foundation over the past two years and are now preparing to showcase their progress at next summer’s World Cup.

Los Cafeteros were among four CONMEBOL nations to qualify, collecting 28 points. Their 2026 squad is seen as one of the most balanced in the competition, blending experienced internationals with emerging prospects.

They strengthened their credentials with impressive friendly victories in the United States against New Zealand and Australia in November, maintaining their reputation as one of the top 10 contenders for the title.

Before their Copa America final defeat to Argentina in July 2024, Lorenzo’s men had gone 28 matches unbeaten. His leadership has guided Colombia comfortably into the World Cup, and although 12 years have passed since Rodriguez’s breakout tournament with La Sele, another golden chapter could be on the horizon.

In 2023, the Colombian Football Federation launched the initiative ‘Futbol con Futuro’ (‘Football with a Future’), focused on modernising their teams and ending their trophy drought. After narrowly missing out on Copa America glory, the side is now eyeing a deep World Cup run.

While James Rodriguez will inevitably draw much of the spotlight, Colombia’s core is built around dependable performers like Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, and veteran goalkeeper David Ospina.

Jhon Duran, once seen as a rising star, has missed out on the 26-man squad following a career path that took him from Saudi Arabia to Russia via Turkey, which saw him drop down the selection order.

Colombia 2026 World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas), Alvaro Montero (Velez Sarsfield), David Ospina (Atletico Nacional)

Defenders: Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray), Jhon Lucumi (Bologna), Yerry Mina (Cagliari), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), Santiago Arias (Independiente), Johan Mojica (Mallorca), Deiver Machado (Nantes)

Midfielders: Richard Rios (Benfica), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Kevin Castano (River Plate), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense), Gustavo Puerta (Racing de Santander), Jhon Arias (Palmeiras), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Minnesota United), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central)

Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernandez (Real Betis), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich), Luis Suarez (Sporting), Carlos Andres Gomez (Vasco da Gama), Jhon Cordoba (Krasnodar)

Upcoming fixtures and results:

June 2, 2026: Colombia vs Costa Rica, Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campin, Bogota, Colombia

June 7, 2026: Colombia vs Jordan, Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, United States

June 18, 2026: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico

June 24, 2026: Colombia vs DR Congo, Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico

June 28, 2026: Colombia vs Portugal, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States

March 29, 2026: Colombia 1-3 France, Northwest Stadium, Landover, United States

March 26, 2026: Colombia 1-2 Croatia, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, United States

November 18, 2025: Colombia 3-0 Australia, Citi Field, New York, United States

November 15, 2025: Colombia 2-1 New Zealand, Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, United States

October 15, 2025: Canada 0-0 Colombia, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, United States of America

October 11, 2025: Mexico 0-4 Colombia, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States

September 9, 2025: Venezuela 3-6 Colombia, Estadio Monumental de Maturin, Maturin, Venezuela

September 4, 2025: Colombia 3-0 Bolivia, Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla, Colombia

June 10, 2025: Argentina 1-1 Colombia, Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 6, 2025: Colombia 0-0 Peru, Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla, Colombia

March 25, 2025: Colombia 2-2 Paraguay, Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla, Colombia

March 20, 2025: Brazil 2-1 Colombia, Arena BRB Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, Brazil

Colombia have been placed in Group K for the 2026 World Cup.

Head coach Nestor Lorenzo took charge after just one previous managerial role with Melgar in Peru. Before that, he served as an assistant coach six times, including a seven-year spell with the Colombian national team.

During his tenure, Lorenzo has overseen victories against major nations such as Germany, Brazil, Spain, and Uruguay, as well as an impressive 28-match unbeaten streak. His side reached the 2024 Copa America final, losing only to Argentina in extra time.

After qualifying for consecutive World Cups in 2014 and 2018 but missing out in 2022, Colombia are set to return to football’s grandest event in 2026.

Luis Diaz enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 season, completing a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer and going on to win the Bundesliga title with the German champions.

With 21 goals in 72 international appearances, Diaz remains one of Colombia’s standout players. His relentless energy and flair make him a constant threat and a fan favourite.

Ranked fifth in FourFourTwo’s list of the best left wingers in the world, a fully fit Diaz could significantly enhance Colombia’s chances across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

By Isaac Stacey Stronge, Freelance Writer