Colombia can reach the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals — their best performance since 2014.
The squad is expected to blend youth and experience. David Ospina remains a senior presence in goal, with Camilo Vargas and Luis Sinisterra providing depth.
The backline may feature Davinson Sánchez and Yerry Mina as central defenders. Daniel Muñoz and William Tesillo are strong candidates at full-back.
Midfield depth includes Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Uribe, and Carlos Sánchez. Up front, Rafael Santos Borré, Luis Muriel, and Díber Cambindo offer firepower.
Néstor Lorenzo is understood to favour a 4-2-3-1. A double pivot of Lerma and Uribe would control tempo and shield the back four.
Luis Díaz is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the game, operating on the left. James Rodríguez would play as the central playmaker.
The system thrives on quick transitions, wide overloads, and James’s vision — a formula that worked well in the 2024 Copa América.
Luis Díaz has continued his impressive development at Liverpool and is believed to be among the top performers this season.
James Rodríguez, despite his age, remains the team’s creative heartbeat. His set-pieces and passing range are unmatched in the squad.
Jefferson Lerma is reportedly the midfield anchor, combining defensive discipline with intelligent distribution.
As a seeded team, Colombia should avoid the strongest sides early. Winning two of three games is a realistic path to advancement.
A second-place finish could set up a tough last-16 clash, but not an impossible one. Their fate may hinge on how they handle physical European sides.
Reaching the last eight would be a major achievement. The squad lacks the depth to go further against elite competition.
An exit at that stage, likely to Argentina, Brazil, or a top European nation, would still mark progress.
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