Colombia team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Colombia.
FIFA World Ranking: 13
Confederation: CONMEBOL
Who is Colombia’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Colombia’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Nestor Lorenzo. Assistant coach of the Colombians between 2012 and 2019, the Argentine took on the top job back in July 2022 – just his second permanent full-time managerial role after 18 months with Melgar.
Who is Colombia’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Lorenzo’s and Colombia’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez, who boasts well over 100 caps for Los Cafeteros. Jose Pekerman named James the captain of the Colombians all the way back in 2015, following the retirement of Mario Yepes.
How many times have Colombia participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
6 – 1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014, 2018
What is Colombia’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Quarter-Final – 2014
How did Colombia qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
In the always difficult and demanding 18-game round robin CONMEBOL qualification process, Colombia collected 28 points and finished third, behind Argentina and Ecuador but above Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay on goal difference.
The Colombians were the second top scorers in qualifying, behind Argentina, with 28 goals and an entertaining style of play which saw them finish things off by denying Venezuela seventh-place and an Inter-Confederation Playoff spot with a 6-3 victory in Caracas last autumn.
Colombia’s qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026 was confirmed on September 4, 2025 following a 3-0 win against Bolivia in the penultimate round of fixtures. Luis Diaz finished the campaign with seven goals, only bettered by Lionel Messi, while Luis Suarez also shone at times for the Colombians.
Who are Colombia’s star players?
James Rodriguez, who has recently left Minnesota United to prepare for this summer, is likely the most recognisable and biggest name – albeit Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich) is also someone who has approached household status in the last few years. Many will remember James’ heroics for his country back at FIFA World Cup 2014, where he won the Golden Boot award after scoring six times. He was also winner of the CONMEBOL Copa America Golden Ball in 2024 when he led Colombia to the final of that tournament.
Elsewhere in attack, the aforementioned Luis Suarez (Sporting CP) has enjoyed an extremely impressive season in Portugal, accumulating 38 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions.
Colombia’s full-back options are plentiful with Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace) in particular drawing significant attention. A significant attacking threat from the right-hand-side of defence, Munoz is coming off the back of having lifted the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League with the English Premier League side.
Richard Rios (Benfica) could be a revelation in defensive midfield, having been one of the brightest sparks coming out of South America in recent years.
Who is in Colombia’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal
DR Congo
Uzbekistan
Colombia
Colombia’s Group K fixtures are as follows:
Uzbekistan v Colombia: Wednesday June 17, 10:00pm ET, 3:00am UK (Thursday)
Colombia v DR Congo: Tuesday June 23, 10:00pm ET, 3:00am UK (Wednesday)
Colombia v Portugal: Saturday June 27, 7:30pm ET, 12:30am UK (Sunday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Colombia’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Academia Atlas FC, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Expert prediction for Colombia’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Colombia have a very good chance of being a real force at FIFA World Cup 2026, with the last few years under Nestor Lorenzo having been extremely impressive and underpinned by a 28-match unbeaten run of form from March 2022 up until their extra-time defeat to Argentina in the final of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America.
Since then, things have become a little rockier or the Colombians and back-to-back defeats to Croatia and France in the March international break may well suggest they aren’t yet ready to be a challenger for the trophy.
With Uzbekistan in their opener, Colombia should have more than enough to get themselves up and running with a win, before going up against DR Congo in their second game. It could well be that their final game against Portugal is a shootout for top spot – in which case the European nation would be favourites.
Unfortunately for Colombia, the knockout stage bracket has not been kind to Group K and if they do end up in second-place and winners in the round of 32, then a round of 16 tie with projected Group H winners Spain could await them. Despite a strong Colombian squad, the reigning European champions would likely prevail in that scenario.
What round will Colombia reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 16
