Colombia World Cup 2026 squad: Nestor Lorenzo's latest selection

Colombia World Cup 2026 squad: James Rodriguez of Colombia sing the national anthem prior to the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 quarter-final match between Colombia and Panama at State Farm Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) — James Rodriguez of Colombia (Image credit: Getty Images)

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The Colombia World Cup 2026 squad will look to build on an impressive base over Nestor Lorenzo's two years in charge as they edge closer to next summer's competition.

Los Cafeteros were one of four teams from CONMEBOL to qualify with 28 points and will appear at World Cup 2026 with one of the most intriguing squads at the tournament, which has a mix of experience and breakthrough talent.

Up until the Copa America final loss to Argentina in July 2024, Colombia were 28 games undefeated under Lorenzo, who led the nation to qualify for the World Cup next summer comfortably: we may be 12 years on from Rodriguez's breakout tournament with La Sele, but a renaissance could be coming.

In 2023, Colombia announced a project called ‘Futbol con Futuro’ – that's ‘Football with a Future’, as the South Americans looked to renovate their football sides and actually win silverware: they came close in the recent Copa and are now looking for a bold run at the World Cup.

And while James Rodriguez will naturally take up a lot of the attention again this summer, they have a strong, elite core consisting of the likes of Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and veteran goalkeeper David Ospina.

Jhon Duran would have been considered an emerging talent here a couple of years ago, but the lesser-trodden path of Saudi Arabia to Russia, via Turkey, has seen him fall down the pecking order, and he hasn't appeared for his nation since last summer.

Colombia World Cup 2026 squad: The March selection

GK: David Ospina (Atletico Nacional)
GK: Camilo Vargas (Atlas)
GK: Alvaro Montero (Velez Sarsfield)
DF: Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray)
DF: Santiago Arias (Independiente)
DF: Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
DF: Johan Mojica (Mallorca)
DF: Jhon Lucumi (Bologna)
DF: Deiver Machado (Nantes)
DF: Yerson Mosquera (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
DF: Juan Cabal (Juventus)
MF: James Rodriguez (Minnesota United)
MF: Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace)
MF: Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate)
MF: Jhon Arias (Palmeiras)
MF: Richard Rios (Benfica)
MF: Kevin Castano (River Plate)
MF: Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo)
MF: Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central)
MF: Gustavo Puerta (Racing de Santander)
FW: Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
FW: Rafael Santos Borre (Internacional)
FW: Jhon Cordoba (Krasnodar)
FW: Luis Suarez (Sporting CP)
FW: Andres Gomez (Vasco da Gama)
FW: Johan Carbonero (Internacional)

Fixtures

June 18, 2026: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
June 24, 2026: Colombia vs DR Congo, Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
June 28, 2026: Colombia vs Portugal, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States

Colombia Manager: Nestor Lorenzo

MATURIN, VENEZUELA - SEPTEMBER 09: Nestor Lorenzo, Head Coach of Colombia looks on prior to the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Venezuela and Colombia at Estadio Monumental de Maturin on September 09, 2025 in Maturin, Venezuela. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images) — Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo (Image credit: Getty Images)

Nestor Lorenzo took charge of Colombia after just one stint as a head coach which was with Melgar in Peru. He'd previously been an assistant manager six times, including at Colombia for seven years.

Under his stewardship he has guided them to wins over Germany, Brazil, Spain and Uruguay, as well as a 28-match unbeaten run. They reached the final of the 2024 Copa America, only losing to Argentina in extra-time.

After making consecutive World Cups in 2014 and 2018, they failed to qualify in 2022, but will be back at football's most prestigious tournament in 2026.

Colombia's Star Player

Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz is one of the in-form wingers of the 2025/26 season. He made a big money switch to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer and hasn't looked back.

With 21 goals in 70 appearances, he's often one of the shining lights of a Colombian side who never fail to entertain. His give-all attitude makes him very endearing, and his South American flair means you can't stop watching him.

Currently ranked at no.5 in FourFourTwo's list of the best left wingers in the world right now, a fit and firing Luis Diaz will boost Colombia's chances in Canada, Mexico and the United States massively.

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Ewan is a freelance writer and social media manager who has worked for The Athletic, GOAL, 90min and OneFootball. From Gelsenkirchen to Riyadh, he has covered some of the biggest games in football in his three years in the industry.

With contributions from

Isaac Stacey StrongeFreelance Writer

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