The Colombian team, under the technical direction of Néstor Lorenzo, has shown an outstanding performance at the start of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, placing itself in an enviable third position with 12 points.
This start, marked by three wins and three draws, has positioned the team as the only undefeated team so far in the competition, raising expectations for the next matches in which it hopes to continue adding to get closer to the orbital event, which will take place in United States, Mexico and Canada.
To further strengthen its position and aspire to lead the table, the Colombian team will face critical challenges against Peru and Argentina in the next double-header of the qualifiers, scheduled for September, after the Copa América.
These clashes are crucial to demonstrate the power and cohesion of the Tricolor in its objective to return to a World Cup after its absence in Qatar 2022.
After facing Bicolor and Albiceleste, Colombia will close the first round of the tie as a visitor against Bolivia.
This confrontation is anticipated with particular interest, given the recent announcement by the Bolivian Football Federation, which has decided to open the possibility of changing La Paz for other cities for its home games. This strategic move introduces a new variable in Colombia’s preparation for its game against Bolivia, as the Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera Costas stadium in Santa Cruz de la Sierra emerges as a potential option.
Although the Bolivian Football Federation is still evaluating the different possibilities and the final decision remains under study, the change of venue could have significant implications for the development and outcome of the match, potentially marking a new phase in the playoffs.
This possibility highlights the importance of adaptability and meticulous preparation by the Colombian team in its continued effort to secure its place in the 2026 World Cup.
After the FIFA date in March, the Colombian team will continue its preparation for the Copa América in June, when it will face the United States, which will be the host country of the oldest nations tournament in the world.
The match against the Americans is scheduled for June 8 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, starting at 4:30 pm (Colombian time) with Gol Caracol and Canal RCN broadcasting.
However, this would not be the Tricolor’s only friendly match before its debut in the Copa América, since according to Fernando Costa, president of the Bolivian Football Federation, in dialogue with the newspaper El Comercio of Peru, Colombia would face the faces with those of the highlands.
“Bolivia has a friendly on May 31 with Mexico in Chicago on June 15 with Colombia and so we are looking to have a meeting with Peru in the middle,” Costa commented.
When will Colombia’s debut in the Copa América be?
The Colombian team was in Group D, for many it is considered the group of death, since the coffee growers will face Brazil, Paraguay and Costa Rica, which left Reinaldo Rueda’s Honduras in the way.
On June 24 in Houston, the Tricolor will clash against Paraguay NRG Stadium, while four days later at State Farm Stadium in Glendale they will clash with Costa Rica. On June 4, the group stage will close against Brazil in Santa Clara (California). With Infobae