Colombian Liga BetPlay 2026‑II launches with opening wins and soaring internet traffic

The 2026‑II season of Colombia’s top football division, Liga BetPlay, kicked off with a slate of matches across the country. Llaneros FC edged Deportivo Pereira 1‑0 in Villavicencio, while Deportivo Cali defeated Jaguares de Córdoba 2‑0 at the Palmaseca stadium. Alianza Valledupar made its league debut against Fortaleza, and several other fixtures were scheduled for the opening weekend.

The start of the league coincided with heightened digital activity. Claro reported that national‑team games generated up to 1.4 Tbps of additional traffic as fans streamed matches and interacted on social media in real time. Clubs also announced key changes: Lucas González was appointed head coach of Atlético Nacional, Luis Amaranto Perea took charge of Independiente Medellín, and Atlético Nacional are considering the departure of forward Eduard Bello. Player valuations were highlighted, with Luis Díaz’s market value remaining at €70 million after the World Cup.

Overall, the opening round set an energetic tone for the season, combining on‑field competition, managerial reshuffles, and a clear impact on the country’s digital infrastructure.