Colombia names 2026 World Cup squad: These are the 26 players chosen by Néstor Lorenzo

Colombia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada has been confirmed. With just 17 days remaining before international soccer’s biggest tournament begins, head coach Néstor Lorenzo unveiled the players who will represent the country. Colombia will open its campaign against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on June 17 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Lorenzo announced the roster during a press conference at the Colombian Football Federation’s training headquarters in Bogotá. James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz headline a squad packed with experience and attacking talent.Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Arias, Juan Fernando Quintero and Luis Javier Suárez were also included among the selections.

The most notable additions are Willer Ditta, fresh off winning the Liga MX title with Cruz Azul, and Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández. Among the players left out of the final roster are Rafael Santos Borré, Carlos Cuesta and Johan Carbonero.

Colombia’s 26-man World Cup roster

Goalkeepers (3): Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero, David Ospina.

Defenders (8): Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Johan Mojica, Deiver Machado.

Midfielders (10): Richard Ríos, Jefferson Lerma, Kevin Castaño, Juan Camilo Portilla, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Fernando Quintero, James Rodríguez, Jaminton Campaz.

Forwards (5): Juan Camilo Hernández, Luis Díaz, Luis Javier Suárez, Carlos Gómez and Jhon Córdoba.

The Argentine coach’s preliminary list of 55 players contained several surprise names, including Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo of Independiente Santa Fe, Junior Hernández of Deportes Tolima and Neiser Villarreal of Cruzeiro. However, none of those players earned a place in the final 26-man squad.

Colombia’s group-stage schedule

In addition to facing Uzbekistan, Colombia will take on DR Congo on June 23 and Portugal on June 27 in Group K. Under the expanded World Cup format, not only do the top two teams from each group advance, but the eight best third-place finishers across the tournament also move on to the knockout stage.

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