The Colombian National Team will play against Bolivia in El Alto, Bolivia, and Chile in Barranquilla, in matches corresponding to dates 9 and 10 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Néstor Lorenzo has developed a strategy for both games and has released a roster of 29 players. This list features key players such as James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Juan Fernando Quintero, Camilo Vargas, Jhon Arias, the emerging talent from European football, Jhon Jader Durán (who will be available for the match against Chile after serving a suspension for the game against Bolivia), and Yerry Mina, who experienced some discomfort but was not seriously injured and has been included in the squad.
The goalkeepers remain unchanged, although the good performance of Kevin Mier, who has been impressive at Cruz Azul, is acknowledged.
Additionally, the roster sees the return of Davinson Sánchez, who has recovered from an injury, as well as full-back Cristian Borja, who was previously not selected for the last matches due to technical decisions.
Matheus Uribe’s return is also significant, as his last appearance was in the Copa América in the United States.
Among the notable surprises is Nelson Deossa from Pachuca, as well as defender Willer Ditta from Cruz Azul. In attack, Roger Martínez, the top scorer from Racing, stands out as he replaces Rafael Santos Borré, who is sidelined due to injury.
📝 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙟𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙧! ⚽️
They are the 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒅𝒐𝒔 by 𝑵𝒆́𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒐 for days 9 and 10 of the 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒔 to the 𝑪𝒐𝒑𝒂 𝑴𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆 𝒍𝒂 𝑨 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
🔗 https://t.co/rneD3aDjf3#TodosSomosColombia 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/s35uZOxIYZ
— Colombia National Team (@FCFSeleccionCol) October 3, 2024
Colombia National Team summoned for dates 9 and 10 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas), Álvaro Montero (Millonarios), Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul).
Defenders: Yerry Mina (Cagliari), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace), Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray), Jhon Lucumí (Bologna), Johan Mojíca (RCD Mallorca), Juan David Cabal (Juventus), Santiago Arias (Bahía), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Christian Borja.
Midfielders: James Rodríguez (Rayo Vallecano), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Jhon Arias (Fluminense), Jorge Carrascal (Dinamo Moscow), Juan Camilo Portilla (Talleres de Córdoba), Juan Fernando Quintero (Racing), Kevin Castaño (Krasnodar), Matheus Uribe (Al-Sadd), Nelson Deossa (Pachuca), Richard Ríos (Palmeiras), Yaser Asprilla (Girona).
Forwards: Jhon Córdoba (Krasnodar), Jhon Jáder Durán (Aston Villa), Juan Camilo Hernández (Columbus Crew), Luis Díaz (Liverpool), Luis Sinisterra (Bournemouth), and Roger Martínez (Racing).
The Colombian National Team in the Spotlight: Key Matches Against Bolivia and Chile
The Colombian National Team is gearing up to face Bolivia in El Alto, Bolivia, and Chile in Barranquilla. These matches are crucial and correspond to dates 9 and 10 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Coach Néstor Lorenzo’s Strategic Insights
Néstor Lorenzo has meticulously devised a plan for the upcoming games, announcing a squad of 29 players. The roster includes prominent figures like James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Juan Fernando Quintero. Also making the squad are Camilo Vargas and Jhon Arias, alongside European football revelation Jhon Jader Durán, who will return against Chile after serving a suspension. Key defender Yerry Mina made the cut despite earlier discomfort, proving his fitness.
Goalkeeper Lineup
The goalkeeper options remain unchanged, showcasing the continued presence of Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero, and Kevin Mier. Notably, Mier’s strong performance at Cruz Azul has been acknowledged, although it remains to be seen who will start in the upcoming matches.
Returning Players and New Additions
Among the notable inclusions are Davinson Sánchez, who has successfully overcome past injury struggles, and Cristian Borja, recalled after being omitted for technical reasons in previous games. Additionally, Matheus Uribe’s return is eagerly anticipated, as he last featured during the Copa América held in the United States.
Exciting surprises also await fans. Nelson Deossa of Pachuca has been called up, along with Willer Ditta from Cruz Azul, adding fresh talent to the defensive line. The attacking front will see Roger Martínez, Racing’s prolific scorer, stepping in for the injured Rafael Santos Borré, further diversifying the team’s options.
Match Schedule and Expectations
These matches play a pivotal role in Colombia’s journey towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Facing Bolivia on foreign soil and hosting Chile are no small feats. Fans and analysts are eagerly debating the team’s strategies and potential formations for both encounters to ensure their chances of success.
Colombia’s Squad for Matches 9 & 10
Goalkeepers:
- Camilo Vargas (Atlas)
- Álvaro Montero (Millonarios)
- Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)
Defenders:
- Yerry Mina (Cagliari)
- Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace)
- Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray)
- Jhon Lucumí (Bologna)
- Johan Mojíca (RCD Mallorca)
- Juan David Cabal (Juventus)
- Santiago Arias (Bahía)
- Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul)
- Christian Borja
Midfielders:
- James Rodríguez (Rayo Vallecano)
- Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace)
- Jhon Arias (Fluminense)
- Jorge Carrascal (Dinamo Moscow)
- Juan Camilo Portilla (Talleres de Córdoba)
- Juan Fernando Quintero (Racing)
- Kevin Castaño (Krasnodar)
- Matheus Uribe (Al-Sadd)
- Nelson Deossa (Pachuca)
- Richard Ríos (Palmeiras)
- Yaser Asprilla (Girona)
Forwards:
- Jhon Córdoba (Krasnodar)
- Jhon Jáder Durán (Aston Villa)
- Juan Camilo Hernández (Columbus Crew)
- Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
- Luis Sinisterra (Bournemouth)
- Roger Martínez (Racing)
Analyzing the Tactical Approach
Fans can expect Lorenzo to employ a tactical formation that maximizes the strengths of key players. With the team’s mix of experienced veterans and fresh talent, tactical flexibility will be essential. The ability to adapt to the specific playing conditions in El Alto—where altitude can be a factor—against Bolivia will be particularly crucial.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Matches
- Altitude Preparation: For those traveling to Bolivia, acclimatization is key. Arrive a few days early if possible.
- Match Schedule: Check local timings and arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by wearing the national team’s colors—yellow, blue, and red!
- Safety First: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas before and after the match.
Final Thoughts on Team Spirit and Expectations
The Colombian National Team has shown resilience and talent, and with the right support from fans, these crucial matches against Bolivia and Chile could propel them closer to World Cup qualification. Everyone is looking forward to an exciting display of football as they strive to ensure their success in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
