Colombia loses striker Jhon Córdoba to injury for the rest of the World Cup

Colombia’s 33‑year‑old centre‑forward Jhon Córdoba suffered a serious adductor muscle rupture in the round‑of‑16 match against Ghana. He was forced off in the eighth minute and medical assessment ruled him out for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup, with an estimated four‑week recovery period.

The injury leaves Colombia with a 25‑player squad and only two natural centre‑forwards – Luis Suárez and Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández – to lead the attack in upcoming games. The team’s next fixture is the round of 16 clash with Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver on 7 July.

Colombia’s coaching staff will have to adjust tactics, relying on other attackers such as Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias, Jaminton Campaz and James Rodríguez to compensate for the loss of Córdoba’s physical presence and aerial ability.