With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Colombia’s national team is set to play its final two preparation matches — friendlies against Croatia and France. The first match will take place on Thursday, March 26, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando at 6:30 p.m., while the second will be held on Sunday, March 29, at Northwest Stadium in Maryland at 2:00 p.m.
This Thursday, the Colombian Football Federation announced the list of 26 players called up by head coach Néstor Lorenzo for the clashes against the two European sides. From this group, the coach will select the final squad for the tournament to be played in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
These friendlies will also represent the last opportunity for players hoping to secure a place on the final roster. In those two matches, they will need to showcase their full potential if they want to be considered by Lorenzo.
Some players already appear to have secured their spots, such as the iconic James Rodríguez, as well as Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez, currently in top form in the German and Portuguese leagues, respectively. They arrive with strong momentum, as their clubs—Bayern Munich and Sporting CP — have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Perhaps the player generating the most expectation is James Rodríguez, who has logged only 30 minutes of play in his debut with Minnesota in MLS, following a notable four-month spell without competitive action.
In contrast, the French national team has confirmed a star-studded squad to face Colombia, led by Kylian Mbappe, along with other players such as Akliouche, Cherki, Dembélé, Doué, Ekitike, Kolo Muani, Olise, and Thuram.
Colombia squad list:
Goalkeepers
Camilo Vargas – Atlas (MEX)
Álvaro Montero – Vélez Sarsfield (ARG)
David Ospina – Atlético Nacional (COL)
Defenders
Yerson Mosquera – Wolverhampton (ENG)
Daniel Muñoz – Crystal Palace (ENG)
Johan Mojica – Mallorca (ESP)
Juan David Cabal – Juventus (ITA)
Davinson Sanchez – Galatasaray (TUR)
Deiver Machado – Nantes (FRA)
Santiago Arias – Independiente (ARG)
Jhon Lucumi – Bologna (ITA)
Midfielders
James Rodriguez – Minnesota (USA)
Juan Fernando Quintero – River Plate (ARG)
Jorge Carrascal – Flamengo (BRA)
Richard Rios – Benfica (POR)
Jefferson Lerma – Crystal Palace (ENG)
Gustavo Puerta – Racing Santander (ESP)
Kevin Castaño – River Plate (ARG)
Jhon Arias – Palmeiras (BRA)
Jaminton Campaz – Rosario Central (ARG)
Forwards
Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich (GER)
Carlos Andres Gomez – Vasco da Gama (BRA)
Rafael Santos Borre – Internacional (BRA)
Luis Suarez – Sporting CP (POR)
Jhon Cordoba – Krasnodar (RUS)
Johan Carbonero – Internacional (BRA)