Colombia national team enters post-James Rodríguez era with new squad

Colombia's national football team has entered a new era following the retirement of James Rodríguez. Head coach Néstor Lorenzo has announced a 26-player squad for upcoming international friendlies, marking a significant generational transition for the team.

The squad includes 15 new names as Lorenzo seeks to integrate emerging talents such as Yáser Asprilla, Daniel Arcila, and Juan Manuel Rengifo. Notable absences include veteran James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero, who have both retired from international play. Additionally, star forward Luis Díaz was left out of the call-up by mutual agreement to allow him to recover from physical fatigue.

Colombia is scheduled to play three friendly matches in the United States: against Mexico on September 26 in Baltimore, Paraguay on October 2 in New Jersey, and Peru on October 6 in Miami. The team will begin its concentration in Delaware on September 20.