COLOMBIA

Colombia is a seven-time World Cup participant with a best result of the 2014 quarterfinal. At the 2026 World Cup, Colombia plays in Group K against Portugal, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. Head coach Néstor Lorenzo, an Argentinian (since June 2022) and a former Jorge Sampaoli assistant. The captain and leader is James Rodríguez, the top scorer of the 2014 World Cup (6 goals). Stars: Luis Díaz (Bayern), Jhon Durán, Richard Ríos.

In 2014 in Brazil, Colombia reached its first-ever quarterfinal. James Rodríguez became the tournament's biggest star — his turning volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 was voted the best goal of the tournament. In the quarterfinal against hosts Brazil (1:2), Colombia played evenly, but Hulk and Thiago Silva proved stronger. That Rodríguez generation repeated in 2018 (round of 16, a penalty loss to England), but in 2022 missed qualification — a major collapse.

Qualifying for 2026 ended in fourth place in the South American group with 22 points. Lorenzo built the team on a 28-match unbeaten run up to the 2024 Copa América final — a 1:0 extra-time loss to Argentina. Rodríguez is 34, playing his last World Cup. In Group K the main rival is Portugal (June 27 in Miami). Matches are in Mexico City (the opener on June 18 against Uzbekistan), Miami, and Miami. Beyond the group, a possible knockout against France or Argentina — another classic South American derby.

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