Colombia World Cup 2026 team guide

This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network , a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June. The plan Today’s Selección Colombia still have a core of players that are remembered fondly from the Brazil and Russia World Cup finals tournaments in 2014 and 2018 respectively. A few of them are taking part in their third tournament, led by James Rodríguez, still a key figure in a side whose 4-2-3-1 formation is built around his No 10 position. There is support out wide, where Luis Díaz has become a source of goals, though not to the extent to which he shines for Bayern Munich. Colombia had a rollercoaster ride to this World Cup. Their qualification campaign included moments of glory, such as the 2-1 victory against Brazil or the revenge over Argentina for their 2024 Copa América final defeat. But then came a 1-0 defeat in Bolivia that started a run of six matches without a win and endangered their place in the finals. In the end two thrashings of Bolivia and Venezuela sealed their spot. …