La Tricolor Returns Dreaming Big
COLOMBIA
La Tricolor returns to the FIFA World Cup with a golden generation full of ambition.
Head Coach
Néstor Lorenzo, former assistant to José Pekerman during the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, has rebuilt Colombia into one of South America’s most dangerous teams.
World Cup Group
June 17: Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Mexico City Stadium
June 23: Colombia vs DR Congo — Estadio Guadalajara
June 27: Colombia vs Portugal — Miami Stadium
World Cup History
Colombia will play its seventh FIFA World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.
A Return To The World Stage
After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, Colombia secured its return to the FIFA World Cup with authority. Néstor Lorenzo’s side finished among the top teams in the South American qualifiers and once again showed the attacking identity that has defined the Tricolor in recent decades.
Led by James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Richard Ríos and Jhon Arias, Colombia heads to North America believing it can challenge the world’s elite.
Colombia World Cup Facts
- Confederation: CONMEBOL
- World Cup Appearances: 7
- Best Result: Quarter-finals (2014)
- Last Appearance: Russia 2018 (Round of 16)
- First Appearance: Chile 1962
- Overall Record: 22 matches — 9 wins, 3 draws, 10 defeats
The Head Coach: Néstor Lorenzo
Although relatively new as a head coach at international level, Lorenzo already knows Colombia inside out. As José Pekerman’s assistant during the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, he helped shape one of the most successful eras in Colombian football history.
Since taking over in 2022, Lorenzo has restored confidence to the national team, reintegrating James Rodríguez and trusting emerging talents such as Richard Ríos, Kevin Castaño and Jhon Durán.
Best World Cup Performance
Brazil 2014 remains the greatest World Cup campaign in Colombian history. The Tricolor won all three group-stage matches against Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan before defeating Uruguay in the Round of 16.
That unforgettable run ended in the quarter-finals against hosts Brazil, but the tournament cemented James Rodríguez as a global superstar after he won the Golden Boot with six goals.
James Rodríguez
Colombia’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with six goals, all scored in 2014.
Luis Díaz
The explosive winger is one of the most dangerous attacking players in world football.
Richard Ríos
A dynamic midfielder who has become essential under Lorenzo.
Memorable Moments
Colombia’s World Cup history is filled with iconic moments, from the dramatic 4-4 draw against the Soviet Union in 1962 to the magical performances of the golden generation in Brazil 2014.
The unforgettable volley scored by James Rodríguez against Uruguay at the Maracanã remains one of the greatest goals ever scored at a FIFA World Cup.
Largest World Cup Wins
- 4-1 vs Japan — Group Stage, 2014
- 3-0 vs Greece — Group Stage, 2014
- 3-0 vs Poland — Group Stage, 2018
Two of Colombia’s three biggest World Cup victories came during the spectacular 2014 campaign, when the Tricolor combined attacking flair with tactical balance and became one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams.
COLOMBIA
Goalkeepers
#1 David Ospina (Atlético Nacional, Colombia) – 183 cm
#12 Camilo Vargas (Atlas FC, Mexico) – 183 cm
#24 Álvaro Montero (CA Vélez Sarsfield, Argentina) – 201 cm
Defenders
#2 Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace FC, England) – 180 cm
#3 Jhon Lucumí (Bologna FC, Italy) – 187 cm
#4 Santiago Arias (CA Independiente, Argentina) – 177 cm
#13 Yerry Mina (Cagliari Calcio, Italy) – 195 cm
#17 Johan Mojica (RCD Mallorca, Spain) – 184 cm
#18 Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul, Mexico) – 179 cm
#22 Deiver Machado (FC Nantes, France) – 173 cm
#23 Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray SK, Türkiye) – 188 cm
Midfielders
#5 Kevin Castaño (CA River Plate, Argentina) – 179 cm
#6 Richard Ríos (SL Benfica, Portugal) – 185 cm
#10 James Rodríguez (Minnesota United FC, United States) – 181 cm
#11 Jhon Arias (SE Palmeiras, Brazil) – 168 cm
#14 Gustavo Puerta (Racing de Santander, Spain) – 173 cm
#15 Juan Camilo Portilla (Atlético Paranaense, Brazil) – 181 cm
#16 Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace FC, England) – 180 cm
#20 Juan Fernando Quintero (CA River Plate, Argentina) – 167 cm
#21 Jaminton Campaz (CA Rosario Central, Argentina) – 166 cm
#8 Jorge Carrascal (FC Flamengo, Brazil) – 180 cm
Forwards
#7 Luis Díaz (FC Bayern München, Germany) – 179 cm
#9 Jhon Córdoba (FC Krasnodar, Russia) – 186 cm
#19 Juan Camilo Hernández (Real Betis, Spain) – 176 cm
#25 Luis Javier Suárez (Sporting CP, Portugal) – 179 cm
#26 Carlos Andrés Gómez (CR Vasco da Gama, Brazil) – 170 cm
Head Coach
Néstor Lorenzo (Argentina)
