Colombia makes a comeback to the World Cup

Back on the biggest stage in football, the Colombian national team faces the 2026 World Cup with the hope of reliving the magic of Brazil 2014, when they reached the quarter-finals and delivered their best historical performance. Twelve years later, the challenge is to regain the lost confidence after a poor campaign in Russia 2018 and the absence in Qatar 2022.

The reconstruction process under the leadership of Néstor Lorenzo restored the team's competitive solidity. The national team once again proved to be one of the most consistent teams in CONMEBOL, capable of matching the South American powerhouses. The coach's strategy combines experience and renewal, with a squad that mixes seasoned veterans with young players looking to establish themselves on the international stage.

The captain leads the way

James Rodríguez, symbol and captain, leads this group that will debut against Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca. The Minnesota United midfielder arrives with the responsibility of being the team's conductor, accompanied by heavyweights like Luis Díaz, the Liverpool winger, and Jhon Arias, who has earned a place in the attack. The presence of David Ospina between the posts brings security and authority, while the defense relies on the duo Davinson Sánchez–Jhon Lucumí to maintain order.

Initial match for Colombia and possible lineups

The clash against Uzbekistan, a World Cup debutant, represents an opportunity for Colombia to establish its territory from the start. In a Group K that also includes Portugal and the Uzbek team itself, the Tricolor starts as one of the two strongest teams and knows that an initial victory can be key to steering the qualification.

Possible lineup for Colombia: David Ospina; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, and Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, and James Rodríguez; Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias, and Luis Suárez.

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