Brazil's head coach Dorival Júnior praised the Colombian national football team for their offensive style ahead of their crucial qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. The match is set to take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília. As both teams gear up for the match, both coaches express hopes for strong performances.
Júnior commended Colombia's approach to the game, emphasizing their commitment to playing football. “Colombia plays good football, brings the ball down, and seeks to develop its game; they have many qualities,” he noted in a pre-match press conference.
He acknowledged the strength of Colombia's midfield led by veteran James Rodríguez. “It's a team that proposes, that will always seek to play against the Brazilian team,” Júnior added, highlighting the need for Brazil to be cautious and to trust in their own progression as a team.
Néstor Lorenzo, the head coach of Colombia, is equally optimistic, aiming for his team to recapture the form that propelled them to the finals of the 2024 Copa América. “I have confidence in the group, in the team, and in that the team of the Copa América appears, which brought us so much joy and achieved results playing well. That is our ideal,” Lorenzo said during a press conference.
Lorenzo's strategy for the match involves a careful balance of tactical discipline and confidence. He emphasized the importance of being tactically organized to counter Brazil's top talents. “We must have a lot of order and tactical discipline to counter the quality of the Canarinha's stars,” he warned.
The Colombian national team has recently faced challenges, coming off two disappointing defeats against Uruguay and Ecuador in November 2024. As they prepare for the match, Colombia will aim for their first victory in Brazil, a feat they have yet to accomplish in World Cup qualifying history, with past games resulting in five losses and two draws over seven matches.
The last time Colombia played in Brazil, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in November 2021. “We are going to give our all against Brazil,” promised midfielder Kevin Castaño, reinforcing the team's determination to secure a win. Castaño expressed confidence in their potential to make history.
As part of their preparation for this match, the Colombian Football Federation is also pursuing a sponsorship deal with Kalley, who will become the first sponsor of referees in Colombian professional and youth tournaments. Kalley’s administrative director, Juan Andrés Vargas, discussed the partnership, noting its importance for brand visibility and its support for referees to enhance their performance through technological advancements.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifying round intensifying, the focus will shift to the results on the pitch. Both teams are aware of the importance of this match not just in terms of points in the standings but also for building momentum for the future. The South American Women’s U17 Championship has also seen changes in scheduling, and discussions are ongoing for further developments in Argentine football, hinting at a growing movement within the sport.
The matchup represents a turning point for both teams as they look to establish themselves in the qualifying campaign. For Colombia, it’s a chance to regain their confidence and show that they are contenders, while Brazil aims to maintain its dominant position in South American football.
The anticipation is palpable as both squads ready for a battle on the field. With such stakes involved, fans on both sides are expected to witness an exhilarating clash as Colombia searches for their first win in Brazil in World Cup qualifying history.
