Colombia World Cup 2026: The name is Bond, James Rodriguez…

Four years after missing the Qatar World Cup, Colombia are back on the global stage having won their groups in both 2018 and 2014. Beaten by hosts Brazil in the last eight 12 years ago, they then pushed England all the way to penalties in Russia. 

Now they are back, and after a strong qualification campaign they will hope to make a big impression in North America. Read on for my Colombia World Cup 2026 preview as I assess their squad and predict how they will fare. 

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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)

Colombia finished third in South American qualifying behind Argentina and Ecuador, although they did finish level on points with Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. Nestor Lorenzo has been the man in charge since 2022 and he’s made some big calls with the squad. 

Hero of the 2014 World Cup, Golden Boot winner and current captain James Rodriguez is included despite playing just 194 minutes in MLS this season. He’s suffered from illness all term and was in hospital in March with severe dehydration. Along with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Neymar, this is sure to be his last dance at the World Cup. His inclusion also gives us one more opportunity to revel in the Times of India's famously misguided 2014 headline: 'The name is Bond, James Rodriguez'.

Crystal Palace duo Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma are in after their Conference League victory, as is former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz is the star of this side, and will play a key role from the left wing, but there’s no place for former Aston Villa man Jhon Duran who has seen his career collapse since leaving Villa Park. 

Cucho Hernandez and Luis Suarez will be relied upon for goals, with the latter scoring 28 in 32 for the Portuguese giants in the league. Colombia have been placed in a kind looking group which they are clearly second favourites for. 

Portugal are one of the big contenders to go all the way, but Uzbekistan and DR Congo should be beatable. They face the two minnows first, before a head-to-head clash with Portugal in Miami which could decide top spot. 

Colombia’s ability to score goals in qualifying meant they finished third rather than sixth, as they scored 28, just three fewer than group toppers Argentina and more than any other South American nation. I think they will certainly catch the eye in the group stage. 

World Cup Odds

Group K Fixtures:

15 June 8pm local (16 June 3am BST) - vs Uzbekistan (Mexico City)

23 June 8pm local (24 June 3am BST) - vs DR Congo (Zapopan)

27 June 7.30pm local (28 June 12.30am BST) - vs Portugal (Miami)

Key Player: Luis Diaz 

We thought Luis Diaz was a good forward for Liverpool, but he often played second fiddle to the likes of Mo Salah. However, it feels like his game has stepped up a level since his move to Bayern Munich. 

He hit 26 goals in 51 in all competitions, his best ever goal return, while he also added 23 assists to that remarkable tally. He should be able to keep that form going for Colombia in these finals, but will have to have an exceptional tournament to take them deep into the knockouts. 

Football Odds

Prediction: Last 16

I think Colombia should finish second in their group, presuming they win their first two matches and then lose to Portugal. That feels like the mosst likely outcome although they may well be able to shock Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

If they do finish second, I’ve got them down to play Egypt in the last 32, a game I would back them to win. In a weird turn of fate, they then are scheduled to play Portugal again in my bracket - meaning they would meet twice in three matches. Great work FIFA and their 48-team World Cup. 

Unfortunately, I think Portugal are too strong for them, on both counts. A last 16 exit may be disappointing, but if the draw opens up, they could well make it to the quarter-finals.

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