After years of speculation about his sports future, Colombian football legend Radamel Falcao Garcia could be on the verge of a return to the national team, this time on the world’s biggest stage: the FIFA World Cup 2026.
At 40 years old, the striker’s potential inclusion in the squad for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada has ignited discussion among fans, pundits, and former players about whether the ‘Tigre’ will cap off his storied career in a global spectacle.
A legend at the brink of history
Falcao — Colombia’s all-time leading scorer with 36 international goals — has not appeared for the national team since March 2023, when he played a short friendly against Japan. Despite being absent for over three years from competitive international duty, recent developments suggest a dramatic revival in his football journey.
The striker’s club situation has been one of the most talked-about side stories of the Colombian football season. After a period without a contract following his departure from Millonarios FC in mid-2025, Falcao spent months training independently and evaluating his next move. In early January 2026, however, Millonarios — the club he has long publicly admired — confirmed his return as a player for the 2026 season.
His re-signing with Millonarios, Colombia’s historic giant, has been framed as a “last dance” in his playing career — one that could also serve the dual purpose of preparing him for a shot at World Cup selection.
Coach Nestor Lorenzo opens the door: ‘If you’re ready, you’re in’
The pivotal point in this unfolding story came from reports emerging in late February 2026. According to Argentine journalist Sebastian Srur, Colombia national team coach Nestor Lorenzo reportedly called Falcao directly, telling him: “If you’re playing well and healthy, you will be taken to the World Cup.”
This statement has been widely interpreted as a conditional but open invitation — a remarkable development for a player nearing the end of his career.
The key caveat? Falcao must maintain fitness and secure regular playing time. The coach’s message reportedly emphasized that the veteran forward needs consistent match minutes — ideally “two to three games per month” — to be seriously considered for the Colombian roster.
That qualification is significant. After all, competing in the World Cup requires peak physical readiness, and some critics argue that a 40-year-old striker who spent long periods without competitive play faces a steep challenge.
Pundits, fans, and former players weigh in
Across Colombian media, opinion is divided but passionate about Colombia’s Falcao in the World Cup 2026. Some former players and pundits have argued that Falcao’s presence in the squad would be a fitting tribute to his impact on Colombian football, suggesting that he “deserves” a final international tournament, even if as a mentor figure more than a starter.
Others see it as an emotional storyline rather than a tactical necessity. Colombia’s squad for 2026 will be studded with younger forwards and midfielders seeking to push the country deep into the tournament. For many analysts, the debate is not purely about merit, but about team dynamics and what kind of contribution Falcao could realistically make on the pitch.
A career full of comebacks
Falcao’s own history makes this potential chapter especially compelling. Once one of Europe’s most feared strikers during his prime years with Atletico Madrid and AS Monaco, he suffered a devastating knee injury ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a blow that kept him out of the finals despite helping Colombia qualify. That disappointment became one of the defining “what ifs” of his career.
Now, with the 2026 tournament looming, the possibility of a redemption arc — walking out onto the field in a World Cup after last missing one due to injury — has captured the imagination of many Colombian fans.
What’s next for Falcao and Colombia?
For now, the ball is in Falcao’s court — and his boots. His 2026 season with Millonarios is expected to be closely watched by coach Lorenzo and the Colombian Federation’s selectors.
If he can stay fit, score goals, and inspire teammates, the former European star might just secure one last shot at global glory. Meanwhile, Colombia’s World Cup qualifying campaign has included strong results that have kept the nation firmly on track for a 2026 appearance on football’s grandest stage.
As the countdown continues and fans speculate wildly on social media platforms and sports forums, one thing is clear: If Colombia’s Falcao makes the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, it won’t just be a comeback — it will be a story for the ages.