COL
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 · GROUP K · POT 4

Colombia
World Cup 26-man squad

Manager Néstor Lorenzo · Argentine head coach since 2022. José Pékerman's long-time assistant — led Colombia to the 2024 Copa América final and arrives at his first World Cup at the helm.
MD1 Jun 17 vs Uzbekistan MD2 Jun 23 vs DR Congo MD3 Jun 27 vs Portugal
6th World Cup appearance · best finish: Quarter-finals (2014)
26
Squad size
29.6
Avg. age
25 / 26
Overseas-based
9 / 17
WC veterans / Debutants
TEAM STORY

Néstor Lorenzo's (Argentine) Colombia announced their final 26 on May 25 (trimmed from a 55-man preliminary on May 14). This is Colombia's first World Cup since Russia 2018 — captain James Rodríguez (Minnesota United, Brazil 2014 Golden Boot) and ace Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) lead the attack.

Spine: James + Luis Díaz + Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) + Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray) + David Ospina (Atlético Nacional). A blend of Premier League, La Liga, MLS and South American leagues, riding momentum from the 2024 Copa América final. 33-year-old James is likely at his final World Cup.

Group K fixtures: June 17 vs Uzbekistan (Mexico City at 2,250m altitude) → June 23 vs DR Congo (Guadalajara) → June 27 vs Portugal (Miami). The Portugal clash featuring Cristiano Ronaldo is the headline. Colombia targets a deeper run than the Brazil 2014 quarter-final.

PREDICTED XI

LIKELY 4-2-3-1.

Lorenzo's preferred 4-2-3-1. James floats as a No.10 with Luis Díaz on the left and Arias on the right. Suárez (or Córdoba) leads the line, while Lerma + Ríos hold the pivot in front of Davinson Sánchez and Lucumí.

4-2-3-1 (predicted)
KEY PLAYERS

KEY PLAYERS.

The five players who set the tone in the group stage — by role and trait.

10
CAM · MF
James Rodríguez
Minnesota United FC · 34
125 caps · 31G WC: 2014, 2018
Captain & Brazil 2014 Golden Boot
CAPTAIN
7
LW · FW
Luis Díaz
Bayern Munich · 29 · Bundesliga
73 caps · 22G WC debut
Bayern Munich-bound ace
ACE
23
CB · DF
Davinson Sánchez
Galatasaray · 29
79 caps · 4G WC: 2018
Defensive cornerstone
16
CDM · MF
Jefferson Lerma
Crystal Palace · 31 · Premier League
65 caps · 5G WC: 2018
Midfield core & FA Cup winner
1
GK · GK
David Ospina
Atlético Nacional · 37 · La Liga
130 caps · 0G WC: 2014, 2018
Most-capped veteran goalkeeper
SQUAD

SQUAD 26.

GK GOALKEEPERS 3
DF DEFENDERS 8
MF MIDFIELDERS 10
FW FORWARDS 5
GROUP K

GROUP K.

POR
Portugal
POT 1
COD
DR Congo
POT 2
UZB
Uzbekistan
POT 3
COL
Colombia
POT 4
Wed, Jun 17
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Estadio Azteca · Mexico City
An opener against debutants Uzbekistan at 2,250m altitude in Mexico City. Stamina management is critical — Luis Díaz–James chemistry will likely decide it.
View lineups →
MD1
Tue, Jun 23
Colombia vs DR Congo
Estadio Guadalajara · Guadalajara
Vs DR Congo, who finished second in African qualifying and came through the intercontinental play-offs to reach their first World Cup in 52 years. Containing Bakambu's physicality falls on Davinson Sánchez and Lucumí in the air.
View lineups →
MD2
Sat, Jun 27
Colombia vs Portugal
Miami Stadium · Miami Gardens, FL
Group decider vs Pot 1 Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo). A high-profile Latin showdown in Miami with a knockout berth on the line.
View lineups →
MD3

Road to the final

Spoiler-free: the potential bracket route by final group position. No results shown.

Win Group K
  1. Round of 32 Jul 03 · Kansas City vs 3rd place (D/E/I/J/L)
  2. Round of 16 Jul 07 · Vancouver vs Winner of Match 85
  3. Quarter-finals Jul 11 · Kansas City vs Winner of Match 95
  4. Semi-finals Jul 15 · Atlanta vs Winner of Match 99
  5. Final Jul 19 · East Rutherford vs Winner of Match 101
Runners-up, Group K
  1. Round of 32 Jul 02 · Toronto vs Runners-up Group L
  2. Round of 16 Jul 06 · Arlington vs Winner of Match 84
  3. Quarter-finals Jul 10 · Inglewood vs Winner of Match 94
  4. Semi-finals Jul 14 · Arlington vs Winner of Match 97
  5. Final Jul 19 · East Rutherford vs Winner of Match 102
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