Colombia's national football team, guided by coach Néstor Lorenzo, is embarking on a quest to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup amidst fierce competition in the South American qualifiers. After missing the last tournament, the team is determined not just to qualify but also to reassert its status as a football powerhouse in the region.
The road to the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has already begun with high-stakes matches. Colombia’s most pressing challenge is their upcoming match against Brazil, scheduled for March 20, 2025, at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, starting at 19:45 hours Colombian time. This thrilling encounter will be available for viewing on Caracol TV and Canal RCN.
Brazil, under coach Dorival Júnior, is coming off a surprising defeat against Paraguay in the qualifiers last September, raising questions about their consistency. On the other hand, Colombia enters this matchup aiming for a more cohesive and strategic gameplay, emphasizing a robust defensive unit led by prominent players like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez.
Just five days after battling Brazil, Colombia will face Paraguay in Barranquilla at the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez Stadium on March 25, 2025. The kickoff for this crucial match is set for 19:00, again airing on Caracol TV and Canal RCN. This match is critical for both teams, as Paraguay has struggled to maintain competitiveness at the highest levels in recent years, making this an excellent opportunity for Colombia to earn valuable points.
Coach Néstor Lorenzo's appointment marks a significant shift for the Colombian national team. The Argentine tactician, who has a wealth of experience in various capacities, is keen on revamping the squad while maintaining essential elements of veteran talent. His roster includes standouts like Álvaro Montero, Camilo Vargas, and James Rodríguez, along with emerging stars like Jhon Jáder Durán.
The finalized squad consists of 26 players, each selected to bring unique strengths to the team. This includes:
- Álvaro Montero (Millonarios F.C.)
- Camilo Vargas (Atlas F.C.)
- Carlos Cuesta (Galatasaray S.K.)
- Christian Borja (Club América)
- Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace F.C.)
- David Ospina (Atlético Nacional)
- Dávinson Sánchez (Galatasaray S.K.)
- James Rodríguez (Club León)
- Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central)
- Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace F.C.)
- Jhon Arias (Fluminense)
- Jhon Córdoba (F.C. Krasnodar)
- Jhon Jáder Durán (Al-Nassr F.C.)
- Jhon Lucumí (Bologna F.C.)
- Johan Mojica (R.C.D. Mallorca)
- Jorge Carrascal (F.C. Dínamo Moscú)
- Juan Camilo Portilla (C.A. Talleres)
- Juan Fernando Quintero (América de Cali)
- Kevin Castaño (River Plate)
- Luis Díaz (Liverpool F.C.)
- Luis Sinisterra (A.F.C. Bournemouth)
- Marino Hinestroza (Atlético Nacional)
- Rafael Santos Borré (S.C. Internacional)
- Richard Ríos (Palmeiras)
- Santiago Arias (E.C. Bahía)
- Yerry Mina (Cagliari Calcio)
As the qualifying matches unfold, the stakes could not be higher. Colombia, currently vying among Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Ecuador for crucial qualification slots, knows the significance of each point. With only a few qualifiers to go, the tension mounts as teams battle for their chance to partake in the world stage.
The 2026 World Cup will not only be monumental for team performances but also for the format, expanding the competition to 48 teams. This unprecedented change provides more slots for Conmebol teams, raising the stakes higher than ever for emerging teams and traditional powerhouses alike.
As fans gear up for the exciting matches ahead, Colombia’s supporters are hoping to see their team thrive and possibly redeem themselves from past disappointments. The looming confrontation against Brazil and the subsequent clash with Paraguay serve as critical milestones in this World Cup journey.
In the lead-up to these matches, the narrative centers around not just winning points, but also restoring pride and belief in a historically talented team that aims to return to international prominence.
Viewers across Colombia can look forward to closely following the action on their screens, eager to see whether the tactical prowess and management of Coach Lorenzo lead the team to success in this demanding qualification stage.
