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Jun 17, 20261
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Camilo Vargas: Bogotá's Goalkeeper to Defend Colombia in 2026 World Cup
Camilo Vargas, a 37-year-old goalkeeper from Bogotá, will represent Colombia as the team's starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup. With over 600 professional matches and titles won across multiple clubs, including championship runs with Santa Fe and Atlético Nacional, Vargas has established himself as one of South America's most experienced and reliable goalkeepers.
Quick Facts
Who
Camilo Vargas
What
Selected as Colombia's starting goalkeeper for 2026 World Cup
When
March 2007 (professional debut)
Where
Bogotá, Colombia
- Selected as Colombia's starting goalkeeper for 2026 World Cup
- Appeared in 15 World Cup qualifying matches
- Won three titles with Santa Fe
- Won championship with Atlético Nacional
- Won consecutive Liga MX championships with Atlas F.C. (2021-22)
Camilo Vargas, a 37-year-old goalkeeper born and raised in Bogotá's Cundinamarca neighbourhood, has been selected as Colombia's starting goalkeeper for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Vargas developed his passion for football on the pitches of his neighbourhood and nearby Samper Mendoza, eventually joining Santa Fe's youth system at age 16. He made his professional debut in March 2007 in a match between Santa Fe and La Equidad at Estadio de Techo.
Throughout his career, Vargas has established himself as one of Colombia's most reliable goalkeepers, winning three titles with Santa Fe and securing a championship with Atlético Nacional. His journey also included spells at Argentinos Juniors, Deportivo Cali, and Atlas F.C. in Mexico, where he earned recognition as the best player in the Mexican league in 2021 during his team's consecutive Liga MX championships in 2021-22. He was first called up to the Colombia national team in August 2012 by coach José Néstor Pekerman.
Vargas has accumulated over 600 professional matches and has become one of the key figures in Colombian football. During the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, he appeared in 15 matches for Colombia, keeping clean sheets in five of those fixtures. At 37 years old, his experience and proven track record at both club and international level have established him as a central figure as Colombia prepares to compete in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Why This Matters
Vargas's selection as Colombia's starting goalkeeper for 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the national team's World Cup campaign. His extensive experience—over 600 professional matches, multiple club titles, and proven international performance with 15 qualifying appearances—provides Colombia with stability and leadership in a critical tournament position. For Colombian football fans and the broader sports community, this signals the team's strategic reliance on experienced, battle-tested talent as they prepare to compete in North America.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2021
WireVargas named best player of Mexican Liga MX
Jan 1, 2026
WireVargas to defend Colombia's goal in FIFA World Cup