Colombia reveals World Cup call with James Rodríguez and two footballers from Liga MX
Camilo Vargas and Willer Ditta were the only Liga MX footballers called up by Néstor Lorenzo for the 2026 World Cup
The Colombian National Team made official its call for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that will start on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Within the final list presented by coach Néstor Lorenzo, only two players from Liga MX managed to remain among those chosen.
The Colombian teams will share activity in Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in an area that promises high demand from the group stage.
Camilo Vargas and Willer Ditta represent Liga MX with Colombia
Although initially five Mexican soccer players appeared on the pre-call list, only Camilo Vargas, Atlas goalkeeper, and Willer Ditta, Cruz Azul defender, managed to secure their place in the final call for the coffee team.
The most striking absences were those of the Mexican soccer champion Kevin Mier, the runner-up Álvaro Angulo and Cristian Borja, from América; who aspired to compete in the World Cup with Colombia.
The call is headed by international figures such as James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Richard Ríos and Jhon Arias, footballers who will be the basis of the Colombian project for the World Cup.
Néstor Lorenzo thanks the players who were left out
During a press conference, the Argentine strategist recognized the efforts of all the footballers who were part of the process towards the World Cup.
"I want to thank all the boys and soccer players who were part of the calls, the process. Also thank those who were not part, but were always raising the bar of performance so that the national team is a competitive place to come when it is their turn," said Néstor Lorenzo.
The Colombian Soccer Federation confirmed that the national team will work in Bogotá from May 25 to June 4 before traveling to the United States for the final preparation phase.
Colombia will have friendlies before the 2026 World Cup
Prior to its World Cup debut, the Colombian National Team will hold two friendly matches. The first will be against Costa Rica on June 1 at the Nemesio Camacho El Campín stadium in Bogotá.
Subsequently, the coffee team will travel to San Diego to face Jordan on June 7, in the last rehearsal before officially starting its participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Later, on June 10, Colombia will move to Guadalajara, the city where it will establish its headquarters for the international competition.
This is how the Colombian group looked in the 2026 World Cup
The South American team will debut on June 17 against Uzbekistan in Group K. Later they will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 23 and will close the first phase by facing Portugal on the 27th of the same month.
The Colombian team will try to advance to the next round backed by a generation that combines international experience, offensive talent and established players in the world's main leagues.