Colombia Prepares Squad for World Cup 2026 Debut Against Uzbekistan

Colombia returns to the FIFA World Cup with renewed ambitions, seeking to recapture the success of Brazil 2014 when the team reached the quarter-finals—its best-ever World Cup performance. After missing qualification for Qatar 2022 and struggling at Russia 2018, the Colombian national team has undergone a reconstruction process under manager Néstor Lorenzo that has restored competitive solidity. The squad balances experienced players with emerging talent, positioning Colombia as one of the strongest teams in the CONMEBOL confederation.

The team will debut on June 18, 2026, against Uzbekistan at the Azteca Stadium in Group K, which also includes Portugal. Captain James Rodríguez, playing for Minnesota United, will lead the Colombian effort as the team's primary playmaker and tactical conductor. Key attacking players include Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias, while goalkeeper David Ospina provides experience and authority in defense. The backline will be anchored by the partnership of Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí.

The match against debutant Uzbekistan presents Colombia with an opportunity to establish momentum early in the tournament. As one of the two strongest teams in Group K, Colombia recognizes that a victory in this opening fixture could prove decisive for securing qualification from the group stage. The squad's composition reflects Néstor Lorenzo's strategy of combining proven internationals with promising young players capable of performing on the world's biggest stage.