Luis Suárez Aims to Make Impact at 2026 World Cup with Colombia

Luis Suárez, the Sporting Portugal striker, is preparing for his World Cup debut with Colombia at the 2026 tournament in Mexico, carrying high expectations after a strong performance during South American qualifying. The experienced forward has established himself as a key offensive weapon for coach Néstor Lorenzo's squad, positioning himself as a crucial player capable of making a difference in the competition.

Suárez expressed a mixture of emotions ahead of Colombia's opening match against Uzbekistan at Estadio Ciudad de México, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity and discipline. "There will be a thousand feelings, but the head has to be cold and calm, because there is work to be done perfectly to win," Suárez said. The striker reflected on his journey to this moment, describing the toll of injuries and setbacks throughout his career in both South America and Europe, which makes reaching the World Cup particularly meaningful.

The Colombian forward rejected notions of clear favorites at the tournament, arguing that all participating nations are competitive and capable. He called for patience, concentration, and tactical discipline in the demanding matches ahead, expressing confidence that Colombia can compete throughout the entire competition. Suárez also praised teammate James Rodríguez, calling him a historic reference point for Colombian football and a source of inspiration for his generation of players.

Competition within Colombia's squad remains fierce, with Suárez highlighting that multiple players are working hard to secure starting positions. He expressed satisfaction with both the team's environment and his personal form, noting that the internal competition ultimately benefits the coaching staff's decision-making. The striker concluded by thanking Colombian supporters who traveled to Mexico to support the team, acknowledging the sacrifices fans make while emphasizing the team's responsibility to deliver results worthy of that dedication.