As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches even closer, another qualified team will be put into the spotlight. This week, Colombia, one of South America’s top teams, will be the center of attention and put on display.
Colombia’s performance in 2022 was not up to the country’s standards, as they failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup that year in Qatar. For the upcoming tournament, however, the nation secured its spot by earning a key 3-0 victory over Bolivia to ensure that they finish in one of the top spots of the CONMEBOL standings.
In the years leading up to the tournament, Colombia has slowly begun to solidify itself as one of the most fearsome teams to qualify. Last year, the nation finished as runner-ups in the 2024 Copa América, their best finish since they won it all in 2001 on their home turf. The team fell to Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, in the final match, though, it serves as a good indication of the team’s improvement.
Colombia is currently ranked as the 13th best team in the world by FIFA, making them the third-best South American team set to compete. Colombia’s last match was on Oct. 14, where they tied Canada in a friendly match with a score of 0-0 and before that, on Oct. 11, they defeated Mexico with ease in a friendly, by a score of 4-0.
This tournament could serve as the last in a farewell tour for one of Colombia’s greatest players, James Rodríguez. In the 2014 World Cup, Rodríguez earned the Golden Boot, as the tournament’s leading scorer, cementing himself as a legend in the sport. In last year’s Copa América, he only further solidified his legacy, earning the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the tournament’s best player. Rodríguez is currently the captain of Colombia’s team and will want to go out on a high note.
In 2023, the Colombian Football Federation launched a project titled “Futbol con Futuro” with the support of FIFA, which lasts until 2025 and aims to continue building the team’s successes in the sport. In just a few months, Colombia will look to avenge their absence in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and go on a run in 2026, which would help the team capture their first-ever title in the tournament.
The team has shown significant improvements, going toe-to-toe with the defending champions in the Copa América final. As one of the best teams in the country, they have the opportunity to make it far next summer.