Colombia

Colombia are one of South America's most consistently exciting football nations. Their 2014 quarter-final run — featuring a young James Rodríguez winning the Golden Boot and stunning goals against Uruguay, Greece and Ivory Coast — remains one of the tournament's great modern stories. Over a decade later, Colombia return with a squad arguably deeper in European talent, led by a Liverpool forward who is capable of deciding any game in an instant.

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying is the most competitive regional path in world football. Ten teams, eighteen games, every opponent at home and away — and Colombia have come through it. Under coach Néstor Lorenzo, the team has developed a disciplined, attack-minded identity that suits the players at his disposal.

The 2026 World Cup in North America presents Colombia with their best opportunity since 2014 to make a deep run. A motivated fanbase, European-based core players in their prime, and the tactical intelligence to hurt any team on their day — Los Cafeteros are a team to watch.

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying is universally acknowledged as the most demanding regional qualification process in football. Ten South American nations compete home and away over approximately three years, with no easy games — every matchday is a test of character, quality and physical resilience at altitude, in humidity or in the noise of packed stadiums from Bogotá to Buenos Aires.

Colombia's qualification for 2026 was achieved by navigating this brutal process while competing against Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia. Under Lorenzo, Colombia played a high-tempo, transition-based game that suited the athleticism of their squad and the directness of Luis Díaz's running.

The qualifying campaign also functioned as a proving ground for the younger players in the squad — Richard Ríos, Jhon Lucumí and Daniel Muñoz all stepped up to handle the pressure of CONMEBOL qualifying's demands. They arrive at 2026 battle-hardened and ready.

Colombia's target for 2026 is clear: replicate or better the quarter-final of 2014. The squad has the quality to do it. Luis Díaz at Liverpool is one of the most dangerous forwards in European football, capable of single-handedly turning a match in Colombia's favour. James Rodríguez — at what will almost certainly be his final World Cup — has the motivation and the talent to produce another tournament-defining performance.

The expanded 48-team format works in Colombia's favour. The path to the knockout rounds is more accessible, and a squad of this depth — with options across all positions at European level — is well-placed to manage the physical demands of a longer tournament.

Davinson Sánchez provides experience at the back. Jhon Lucumí adds youth and quality in defence. The midfield trio of Barrios, Uribe and Ríos offer a blend of physicality and creativity. Up front, Díaz and Zapata offer different threats — pace and power — that will challenge any backline in the tournament.