Inside Colombia's World Cup roster 2026: James Rodriguez set for last dance as Nestor Lorenzo's lynchpin

It feels like Colombia are often considered dark horses at the World Cup, but it's not without reason.

Los Cafeteros often thrive on the biggest stage and against the grandest opponents. They embarked on a 28-match unbeaten run a couple of years ago that only ended in a defeat to Argentina in the Copa America final, and they then defeated both the reigning world champions and Brazil during qualification for the 2026 tournament.

Nestor Lorenzo has a group of very experienced players at his disposal, and there is plenty of star quality within the Colombia ranks. In a group containing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, they could lay down an early marker to remind the world they are not to be underestimated.

Here is their World Cup roster in full.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Colombia World Cup roster 2026

Lorenzo named his preliminary squad on May 14 at a news conference, and the final list was confirmed in the final week of the month.

Teams had until Monday, May 11 to submit to FIFA an official preliminary list of 35-55 players, from which they are required to name a final roster by Saturday, May 30.

The below table will be updated once the final squad is confirmed.

Caps and stats correct as of May 31.

Colombia injuries ahead of World Cup

The big concern before the tournament was around James Rodriguez. The experienced playmaker was hospitalised in March and spent three days being treated for severe dehydration. He did manage two appearances for Minnesota United in May, registering two assists in a 2-2 MLS draw with Austin.

Colombia players to watch at World Cup

Luis Diaz is the standout star of this team and will be making his World Cup debut this year. The Bayern Munich winger had an exceptional season in Germany and will provide Colombia's biggest creative spark alongside James.

It what is generally a very experienced roster, Gustavo Puerta adds a more unknown element. A year ago, the 22-year-old had been set to sign for Hull City — who will play in the Premier League in 2026/27 — but a transfer ban imposed on the club prevented the deal and saw him instead join Racing in Spain. He was a mainstay in midfield for the club from Santander as they finished top of the table and earned promotion to La Liga.

MORE: All you need to know about Colombia's schedule at the 2026 World Cup

Who is Colombia coach at the World Cup?

Lorenzo has been in charge of Colombia since June 2022. The Argentinian took over from Reinaldo Rueda after the latter had failed to secure qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.

Lorenzo's first two years in charge were hugely promising. They beat Germany for the very first time in a 2023 friendly as part of an unbeaten streak that spanned 28 games until the final of the 2024 Copa America, in which they lost to Argentina after extra time.

They finished third in the 2026 qualifying cycle, ending the phase level on points with Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. They beat both Argentina and the Selecao during that successful qualification run.

Lorenzo's results against some of the biggest footballing nations in the world, not to mention a commitment to an exciting playing style, has won him plenty of admirers. Yet his achievements have created a higher level of expectation ahead of these finals, and how he handles that will have a huge bearing on Colombia's chances.

Can Colombia replace players on World Cup roster?

Once the final roster is official, participating teams at the World Cup could only make changes before the first game of the tournament, and only in the case of extraordinary circumstances.

According to the official tournament rules (page 32), "a player listed on the final list may only be replaced in the event of serious injury or illness up until 24 hours before the start of his team's first match."

Colombia World Cup history

This will be Colombia's seventh World Cup appearance and just their third since 1998. Their best performance came in Brazil in 2014, when they were eliminated by hosts Brazil at the quarterfinal stage.

Colombia took part in the USA '94 tournament but were eliminated when Andres Escobar's own goal against USA led to a 2-1 defeat. In July that year, Escobar was shot dead in a car park in Medellin in what is widely considered a revenge killing for his part in their World Cup exit.

Colombia boast some star quality in the form of Bayern Munich's Luis Diaz and veteran playmaker James Rodriguez, but while they may lack the talent-packed rosters of the very top sides, their collective strength is arguably as good as any team in the tournament.

• Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 13 (May 2026)
• World Cup titles: 0
• World Cup appearances (last): 6 (Russia 2018)
• How Colombia qualified, W-L-D: CONMEBOL third place, 7-4-7
• World Cup record:
  • Games: 22 GP (9W, 3D, 10L)
  • Goal differential: +2 (32GS, 30GA)

Colombia World Cup schedule

Germany, as a Pot 2 team, were drawn into Group K. Their competitors in the group will be Portugal, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan.

Colombia and Group K match schedule

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Last time the World Cup was in United States
• Revisiting the first World Cup in 1930
• Most World Cup wins by country
• Future World Cup locations for 2030 and beyond
• Guide to host countries, cities for 2026 World Cup