Colombia World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Nestor Lorenzo

Luis Diaz leads the attack — now at Bayern Munich

Luis Diaz left Liverpool in the summer and joined Bayern Munich in one of the most significant transfers of the window. He is 28, at the peak of his powers, and he is the player Colombia need to fire if they are going to go deep in this tournament. When Diaz is running at defenders, pressing high and arriving late into the box, he is genuinely one of the most exciting wingers in world football. Bayern Munich paid serious money for him and he has not disappointed. If Colombia go deep at this World Cup, it will be built around him.

James Rodriguez — one last crack at the tournament where he shone brightest

In 2014, a 22-year-old James Rodriguez announced himself to the world with six goals in five games and the finest individual tournament performance of his generation. He won the Golden Boot and Colombia reached the quarter-finals. That moment defined his career. He has been chasing it ever since — through Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, and now Minnesota United in MLS. He is 34 now. Lorenzo has kept the faith and handed him the captaincy. This is almost certainly his last World Cup. The most talented Colombian player of his generation getting one final opportunity at the tournament where he shone brightest.

Jhon Duran left out after disciplinary issues

Jhon Duran has been one of the most talked-about strikers in the Premier League this season. His form for Aston Villa has been extraordinary. And yet he is not in this squad. Nestor Lorenzo excluded him following disciplinary issues and backed that decision publicly with no ambiguity. Whether Duran had a falling out with the manager, clashed with teammates or simply crossed a line Lorenzo would not forgive, the result is the same — one of Colombia's most dangerous finishers is watching the World Cup from home. It is a real loss. Lorenzo will need his five forwards to cover that gap.

David Ospina comes out of retirement

David Ospina retired from international football. Then Lorenzo picked up the phone. The 37-year-old goalkeeper has been impressive at Atletico Nacional and Lorenzo saw enough to call him back into the squad. Ospina has 129 caps. He was part of Colombia's golden era — the quarter-final run in 2014, the Copa America campaigns, the years when this squad was regularly talked about as a dark horse for every tournament. His experience, his reading of the game and his presence in the dressing room are worth more than his age might suggest. Whether he starts or provides cover is a debate, but he is here.

Richard Rios at Benfica — Colombia's best young midfielder

Richard Rios is 24 years old and has been outstanding in Europe this season at Benfica. He is mobile, he covers ground, he can carry the ball and he has an eye for a pass. Colombia's midfield has historically been built around flair and creativity — the Quintero type, the James type. Rios represents something slightly different: a genuine engine. He complements the more gifted players around him. At 24, this will not be his last World Cup. But if he performs this summer, it might be the tournament that announces him properly on the global stage.

Colombia's group — Group K with Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan

Group K is not a kind draw. Portugal are in it, and with Ronaldo at 41 still likely to feature, Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings and a squad packed with talent from the Champions League, they are a genuine contender. DR Congo are not a team to underestimate either — they have some excellent players and will be motivated. Uzbekistan are the third side and represent Colombia's safest bet for a win. The arithmetic says Colombia should qualify but this group will not be comfortable. Their opening game against whoever they face first will set the tone.

Colombia missed 2022 entirely — this qualification was significant

Colombia did not go to the 2022 World Cup. They missed out entirely as CONMEBOL qualifying produced one of the most brutal eliminations in their recent history. That failure cost the previous manager his job and led to Lorenzo's appointment. He has rebuilt this squad, refreshed it with younger players, stabilised the defence and built an attack around Diaz and Rodriguez. Getting to North America is in itself a statement of intent. Now the question is whether they can do what they almost did in 2014 — go deep and remind the world what Colombian football is capable of.

Who is in Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Nestor Lorenzo named a 26-man Colombia squad for World Cup 2026. The squad is led by James Rodriguez as captain and Luis Diaz up front. David Ospina came out of international retirement to join the squad. Jhon Duran was the most notable omission following disciplinary issues.

Is James Rodriguez in Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. James Rodriguez is in Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad and captains the side. The 34-year-old, now playing for Minnesota United in MLS, won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup and is heading into what is likely his final major tournament.

Is Luis Diaz in Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Luis Diaz is in Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad. The 28-year-old winger left Liverpool for Bayern Munich and is Colombia's most dangerous attacker and their primary match-winner heading into the tournament.

Why was Jhon Duran left out of Colombia's World Cup squad?

Jhon Duran was excluded from Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad following disciplinary issues. Manager Nestor Lorenzo made the decision and defended it publicly. Duran had been in strong form for Aston Villa but Lorenzo decided to leave him out.

Who is Colombia's captain at World Cup 2026?

James Rodriguez is Colombia's captain at World Cup 2026. The 34-year-old won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup and leads the Cafeteros into what is almost certainly his last major tournament.

What group are Colombia in at World Cup 2026?

Colombia are in Group K at World Cup 2026 alongside Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. Portugal are the biggest challenge in the group but Colombia have enough quality to qualify for the Round of 32.