Colombia football team gears up for World Cup 2026 in Guadalajara

The Colombia men’s national football team has assembled in Guadalajara to finalize preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under Argentine coach Néstor Lorenzo, the squad blends veteran players with emerging talent as it eyes the Group K schedule – a opening match against Uzbekistan at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on 17 June, followed by fixtures versus the Democratic Republic of Congo in Guadalajara’s Akron Stadium on 23 June and Portugal at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on 27 June.

During the team's arrival, forward James Rodríguez appealed for national unity, urging journalists and fans to convey a positive message after President Gustavo Petro was provisionally suspended by Colombia’s Congress. Rodríguez emphasized that the football campaign should remain a rallying point for the country regardless of political turmoil.