Cuadrado sends support to Colombia ahead of World Cup 2026 debut, includes political message

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, one of Colombia's most decorated players, sent a message of encouragement to the national team ahead of their World Cup 2026 debut against Uzbekistan on June 17, 2026. Though he has not been called up in recent years due to injuries and declining performance, Cuadrado remains connected to the team through social media support.

Cuadrado is the third most-capped player in Colombian history with 116 international appearances, trailing only goalkeeper David Ospina (131) and midfielder James Rodríguez (126). He participated in the early stages of coach Néstor Lorenzo's tenure, including the opening World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, but was not included in subsequent squads as his form declined and injuries mounted.

In his Instagram post, Cuadrado mixed sports encouragement with a political statement timed to Colombia's presidential election scheduled for Sunday, June 21. "The big day has arrived. Not only because our beloved national team's World Cup is starting, but because Colombia's destiny is defined this weekend in the elections, and this jersey represents the country we love with all our heart," he wrote.

The veteran defender added a religious dimension to his message, concluding with: "May God bless our national team and may God bless our beloved homeland. May the Prince of Peace pour his peace over our nation and give us his blessing. VAMOS COLOMBIA. You are in the hands of our LORD JESUS CHRIST KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." The post included photos of himself in the Colombian kit alongside images of the current World Cup squad.