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Juan Guillermo Cuadrado Excluded from Colombia's 2026 World Cup Squad Due to Injury
Colombia has excluded veteran wing-back Juan Guillermo Cuadrado from its 2026 World Cup squad due to ongoing injury issues that limited him to just 19 league appearances during the 2025/26 season with Pisa. While the 38-year-old has not retired internationally, his age and fitness concerns make it unlikely he will represent Colombia on the world stage again.
Quick Facts
Who
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado
What
Cuadrado excluded from 2026 World Cup 26-man squad
When
2026 World Cup
Where
Colombia
- Cuadrado excluded from 2026 World Cup 26-man squad
- Missed more than 20 matches due to thigh injury
- Made only 19 league appearances for Pisa in 2025/26 season
- Scored one goal in 491 total minutes
- Juan Guillermo Cuadrado
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, a veteran wing-back and legendary figure for Colombia, has been left out of the 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old's exclusion comes after a difficult 2025/26 season with Italian club Pisa Sporting Club, where persistent injuries severely limited his availability and impact on the pitch.
Cuadrado struggled with a thigh injury throughout the 2025/26 campaign, missing more than 20 matches and appearing in only 19 league games. During his limited playing time, he managed just one goal across 491 total minutes. These fitness issues convinced manager Nestor Lorenzo to select in-form alternatives for Colombia's tournament squad, prioritizing players with better current form and availability.
While Cuadrado has not officially retired from international soccer, his prospects for future World Cup appearances are dim. At 38, he would be 42 years old by the time the 2030 World Cup takes place, effectively closing the door on his hopes of competing on the world stage again. However, the player remains open to future call-ups if he can achieve a full recovery from his persistent thigh injury.
Colombia will make their 2026 World Cup debut in Group K alongside Portugal, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. The team begins their tournament campaign against Uzbekistan on June 17 at Mexico City Stadium, followed by matches against DR Congo on June 23 and Portugal on June 27.
Why This Matters
Cuadrado's exclusion marks a symbolic transition for Colombia's national team, signaling the end of an era for one of the squad's most decorated veterans. For fans, this illustrates how injuries and age inevitably reshape international football rosters, even for legendary players. For Colombia, the decision underscores manager Nestor Lorenzo's pragmatic approach—prioritizing current form and fitness over historical legacy—which could shape the team's competitive prospects at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireColombia vs Uzbekistan - first 2026 World Cup match for Colombia
Jun 18, 2026
WireBolavip US publishes article explaining Cuadrado's exclusion
Jun 23, 2026
WireColombia vs DR Congo - second group stage match
Jun 27, 2026
WireColombia vs Portugal - final group stage match