Colombia are back on the biggest stage and nobody will want to draw them. Under Nestor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros built a long unbeaten run into a place in the 2024 Copa America final, and they arrive in 2026 with a squad fronted by captain James Rodriguez and Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz. The 26-man group blends that experience with a deep, athletic midfield in Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma and Kevin Castano. They land in Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. This is the squad by position, the group, the fixtures, and the case for the dangerous outsiders.
Colombia's 2026 squad pairs two world-class attackers with a midfield that can run all day. These are the names the campaign will turn on.
The playmaker and leader. The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner is Colombia's captain and creative reference point. At 34, his vision, set pieces and big-game temperament still set the tone, in what is likely his final World Cup.
The match-winner. The Bayern Munich winger, a Bundesliga champion since leaving Liverpool, was one of the top scorers in South American qualifying. Direct, fearless and decisive, he is Colombia's most dangerous attacking weapon.
The breakout star. The Benfica midfielder emerged through the 2024 Copa America run and now drives Colombia's midfield with energy, ball-carrying and tackling. He gives Lorenzo's side legs and bite in the middle.
The flying full-back. The Crystal Palace defender is one of the Premier League's most relentless wing-backs, a constant outlet down the right and a real threat in the box at set pieces.
The centre-back anchor. The Galatasaray defender brings pace and aggression to the back line, the experienced head alongside Bologna's Jhon Lucumi at the heart of Colombia's defence.
The screen. The Crystal Palace midfielder does the dirty work in front of the defence, breaking up play and letting James and Diaz roam. His discipline is key to Colombia's balance.
Here is Colombia's confirmed squad for the 2026 World Cup as named by Nestor Lorenzo: three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders and six forwards. James Rodriguez is captain. Clubs are shown where confirmed and can shift across the summer window.
Lorenzo's selection leaned on the spine that reached the 2024 Copa America final, with Benfica's Richard Rios now an established starter and a forward line built around Luis Diaz. The biggest debates were up front, where Jhon Jader Duran and Rafael Santos Borre missed out in favour of Luis Suarez, Jhon Cordoba and Juan Camilo Hernandez. Club listings can change over the summer transfer window.
A deep attacking pool meant hard choices for Lorenzo. These were the storylines that drew the most attention.
At 34, James Rodriguez keeps the armband and the keys to the attack. After his standout 2024 Copa America, Lorenzo built the side around his captain for what looks like a final World Cup.
The big omission. The powerful young striker missed the final cut after a stop-start club season, with Lorenzo preferring the experience of Luis Suarez and Jhon Cordoba up front.
A familiar name dropped. The forward, a regular through qualifying, was squeezed out of a crowded attacking group as Lorenzo settled on his final six forwards.
Colombia were drawn into Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. Portugal, fronted by Cristiano Ronaldo, are the seeded side, but Colombia have the quality to challenge for top spot. Two of their three group games are in Mexico, at the Azteca and in Guadalajara, before a finale against Portugal in Miami.
Colombia open against debutants Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 17 June. For the full picture of all 104 games, see the WorldCuply.com match schedule, read our Portugal guide on their Group K rivals, and explore the 12 Pot 1 nations.
Colombia are not among the top favourites, but they are exactly the kind of side the big nations want to avoid in the knockouts. The case for a deep run:
Colombia arrive as one of the most watchable sides in the field: technical, aggressive and led by stars who have delivered on the big stage. Lift the group and the draw opens up, and few would relish facing Los Cafeteros in a knockout tie.
Colombia are one of 48 nations heading to the 2026 World Cup. Explore the rest of the WorldCuply.com guide:
Colombia's Group K rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo's record sixth World Cup and the full squad.
Read the Portugal guide ›The defending champions who beat Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final, with Messi and the full 26.
Read the Argentina guide ›The top players going to the 2026 World Cup, the names who can decide knockout ties.
View the top 12 ›All 104 fixtures across 16 host cities, with kickoff times you can filter to your team.
Open the schedule ›This guide was hand-written from the following reporting and reference pages, used to confirm Colombia's squad, coach, group and fixtures:
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