Orlando, Florida – Colombia’s national football team is gearing up for a crucial stretch of international friendlies as they finalize preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manager Néstor Lorenzo has announced a 26-man squad to face Croatia and France in March, providing a key opportunity to assess talent and refine strategies ahead of the expanded tournament. The upcoming matches against Croatia and France represent a significant step in Colombia’s World Cup preparations, allowing the team to test its mettle against strong European opposition.
The Federación Colombiana de Fútbol (FCF) confirmed the roster on Tuesday, March 19, 2026, detailing that the team will convene in Orlando, Florida, beginning Saturday, March 21st, and remain in camp through March 26th. Their first test will be against Croatia at Camping World Stadium, followed by a match against France in Washington D.C. These partidos amistosos, as they are known, are vital for building team cohesion and evaluating players in a competitive environment. The team closed out 2025 on a high note, securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Mexico and a 0-0 draw against Canada in October. They continued their winning form in November, defeating Novel Zealand 2-1 and Australia 3-0.
A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent
Lorenzo’s squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, reflecting a commitment to both stability and future development. Goalkeepers Álvaro Montero of Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina) and Camilo Vargas of Atlas (Mexico) will compete for the starting spot, alongside Carlos Gómez of Vasco da Gama (Brazil) and David Ospina of Atlético Nacional. The defensive line includes familiar faces like Dávinson Sánchez of Galatasaray S.K. (Turkey) and Déiver Machado of FC Nantes (France), alongside Yerson Mosquera of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (England).
Midfield options are plentiful, with James Rodríguez of Minnesota United F.C. (USA) and Jefferson Lerma of Crystal Palace (England) providing experience and leadership. Gustavo Puerta of Racing de Santander (Spain), Kevin Castaño and Juan Fernando Quintero of River Plate (Argentina), and Richard Ríos of S.L. Benfica (Portugal) add further depth and creativity. The attacking lineup boasts the star power of Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz and the presence of Rafael Santos Borré of Internacional S.C. (Brazil) and Luis Suárez of Sporting Club (Portugal).
Notable Inclusions and Omissions
The squad includes several players currently competing in European leagues, including Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace, England), Jhon Lucumí (Bologna F.C., Italy), Johan Mojica (R.C.D. Mallorca, Spain), and Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo, Brazil). Juan David Cabal of Juventus (Italy) and Jhon Arias of S.E. Palmeiras (Brazil) also earn call-ups. However, Sebastián Villa, despite reported interest from Argentina, was not included in the final list, according to reports from El Tiempo.
Full Squad List
Here is the complete list of 26 players called up by Néstor Lorenzo:
- Álvaro Montero – Vélez Sarsfield (ARG)
- Camilo Vargas – Atlas (MÉX)
- Carlos Gómez – Vasco da Gama (BRA)
- Daniel Muñoz – Crystal Palace (ENG)
- David Ospina – Atlético Nacional
- Dávinson Sánchez – Galatasaray S.K. (TUR)
- Déiver Machado – FC Nantes (FRA)
- Gustavo Puerta – Racing de Santander (ESP)
- James Rodríguez – Minnesota United F. C. (USA)
- Jaminton Campaz – C.A. Rosario Central (ARG)
- Jefferson Lerma – Crystal Palace (ENG)
- Jhon Arias – S.E. Palmeiras (BRA)
- Jhon Córdoba – F. C. Krasnodar (RUS)
- Jhon Lucumí – Bologna F. C. (ITA)
- Johan Carbonero – Internacional S.C. (BRA)
- Johan Mojica – R. C. D. Mallorca (ESP)
- Jorge Carrascal – Flamengo (BRA)
- Juan David Cabal – Juventus (ITA)
- Juan Fernando Quintero – River Plate (ARG)
- Kevin Castaño – River Plate (ARG)
- Luis Diaz – Bayern Múnich (GER)
- Luis Suárez – Sporting Club (POR)
- Rafael Santos Borré – Internacional S.C. (BRA)
- Richard Ríos – S.L. Benfica (POR)
- Santiago Arias – C.A. Independiente (ARG)
- Yerson Mosquera – Wolverhampton Wanderers F. C. (ENG)
The upcoming friendlies will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as Colombia seeks to build momentum and fine-tune its squad for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2026 World Cup. The FCF will continue to provide updates on the team’s preparations and performance throughout the camp. Fans can find more information on the official FCF website: FCF.com.co.
Following the matches against Croatia and France, Néstor Lorenzo will have a clearer picture of his team’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to make informed decisions as he narrows down the squad for the final World Cup roster. The focus will then shift to continued preparation and ensuring the team is fully ready to compete on the world stage.
What are your thoughts on the Colombian squad? Share your predictions for the upcoming friendlies in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans.
