Colombia compete in Group Eleven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals in 2014
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Copa América winners in 2001
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Last World Cup appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
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FIFA ranking: 13
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Nickname: Los Cafeteros
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Top clubs: Atlético Nacional, Millonarios, Independiente Santa Fe, Atlético Junior
Qualification: After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, Colombia bounced back strongly in the 2026 South American qualifying campaign, finishing third in the CONMEBOL standings — level on points with four other sides and ten points behind leaders Argentina. Notably, the Colombians went unbeaten against the Argentines (one win, one draw) and also inflicted defeat on Brazil.
Coach: Argentine Néstor Lorenzo has a modest coaching record, but knows the Colombian national team well, having served as assistant coach from 2012 to 2019 and participating in two World Cups. Since being appointed head coach in 2022, he has revived James Rodríguez's career — despite inconsistent club form — and handed him the captain's armband. Under Lorenzo, Colombia reached the final of Copa América 2024, which Argentina won.
Star player: One of the stars of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, striker James Rodríguez subsequently signed for Real Madrid before his career was derailed by injuries and inconsistency. He moved between several clubs — Bayern Munich, Everton, Olympiacos — and now plays in MLS with Minnesota United. However, he has rediscovered his best form particularly with the national team under Néstor Lorenzo, and was named best player of Copa América 2024. Approaching his 35th birthday, James will compete in his third World Cup, alongside dangerous Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz and former Marseille player Luis Suárez — Sporting's top scorer in the Portuguese league this season with 28 goals.
Ambitions: In what appears a manageable group where Portugal are the clear favourites, Colombia aim to advance at the expense of Uzbekistan and DR Congo, who had to go through a play-off to qualify. Despite clear attacking firepower, Colombia have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in their history, and they suffered a heavy defeat against France in March (1–3).