Colombia and Croatia have never faced each other since the Colombian Football Federation’s founding in 1924. On Thursday, March 26, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando (7:30 p.m. ET), that historical gap closes.
The 2026 World Cup sits on the horizon, but Croatia misses two pillars: Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić. Coach Nestor Lorenzo brings Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez in their best European form. Meanwhile, Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić warns he needs “a great defensive effort” to stop the Colombians.
Colombia arrives on a five-game unbeaten run. Wins over Venezuela, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia, plus a draw against Canada, keep the squad’s mood high. Lorenzo has been straightforward about his goals for these friendlies. “Playing against the best will demand that we raise our level,” the Argentine coach said ahead of the Florida camp.
Croatia is not here to go through the motions either. Dalić’s side finished third at the 2022 World Cup and took second in 2018. For them, Thursday’s match also serves as an assessment. “These are two difficult games. Colombia has fast players, and this is a big test,” Dalić said. He added that he fully recognizes Colombia’s counter-attacking threat.
A matchup that goes beyond the final score
Two teams with distinct identities meet for the first time. Colombia relies on pace, quick transitions, and creativity. Croatia trusts in tactical discipline, midfield control, and defensive organization.
Dalić was blunt when describing the challenge. “Against Colombia, we will need a great defensive effort. They are very strong on the counter and in quick transitions,” he said before flying to the United States.
The game is part of the 2026 World Cup preparatory schedule. Colombia shares Group K with Portugal and Uzbekistan. The winner of an intercontinental playoff will join them.
In March 2026, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) compete in the intercontinental playoff in Guadalajara, Mexico. New Caledonia and Jamaica face off on March 26. The winner plays DRC on March 31 to secure the final qualification.
Diaz and Suarez arrive in their best form
Luis Diaz and Luis Javier Suarez are at their peak right now. The winger from La Guajira has 22 goals and 18 assists with Bayern Munich. These numbers place him among Europe’s most productive forwards this season. The striker from Santa Marta, on the other hand, has 32 goals and 7 assists with Sporting Portugal. Both advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals this week against Atalanta and Bodø/Glimt, respectively.
James Rodriguez also joined the squad, though in a different situation. He debuted with Minnesota United only a few weeks ago. He arrives with very little match time. The debate around the number 10 is nothing new, but the coach continues to back him. In Lorenzo’s view, James gives the team a unique identity.
In the defense, the return of Juan David Cabal provides the most welcome news. The Juventus fullback had not received a call-up since October 2024. At that time, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
After a year of recovery, he returns to the list. Yerry Mina remains the most significant absence, sidelined with an injury at Cagliari. Lorenzo also left out Juan Camilo Hernandez and Jhon Jader Duran by choice.
Croatia is missing key players; Colombia is near full strength
The absences hit the Croatians where it hurts most. Gvardiol, a complete European center-back, will miss the trip to Orlando due to injury. Kovačić also stays out due to physical problems. Starting goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski withdrew for personal reasons. Karlo Letica of Lausanne-Sport replaced him.
Available players include 40-year-old Luka Modrić, now at AC Milan. He heads toward a fifth World Cup alongside Andrej Kramarić, Nikola Vlašić, and Ivan Perišić. Young fullback Josip Stanišić, Diaz’s teammate at Bayern Munich, also remains available.
On the Colombian side, beyond James Rodriguez’s lack of sharpness, the squad arrives in good physical condition. Goalkeeper Alvaro Montero shows strong form with Velez Sarsfield. Midfielder Richard Rios has cemented his place in the starting lineup at Benfica. Jorge Carrascal plays well at Flamengo.
Odds and forecasts: close contest, slight edge to Colombia
Sportsbooks refuse to commit to a clear favorite. However, Colombia sits slightly ahead due to their recent form and Croatia’s key absences. A Colombian win prices around 2.30, a draw near 3.20, and a Croatian victory around 3.10. The goals market leans toward at least two goals, given the offensive profiles of both sides.
Analysts point to the absence of Gvardiol and Kovačić as the factors most likely to favor Colombia. The peak form of Diaz and Suarez provides the main argument for a Colombian win. However, Croatia’s experience in high-stakes matches keeps the result open heading into kickoff.