The Colombian national team surprised this Friday by announcing Dayro Moreno as part of the list of players called up for the last two matches of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The Once Caldas forward, who will turn 40 in September, becomes the big news for a group that will seek to seal its qualification against Bolivia in Barranquilla on September 4 and against Venezuela away on the 9th.

Moreno's return has not gone unnoticed. The veteran forward arrives in great form, as he is the top scorer in the Copa Sudamericana with eight goals. His inclusion in the 26-man roster is seen as a vote of confidence from manager Nestor Lorenzo, who is banking on the experience of a player who already played in Liga MX with Xolos de Tijuana and who has a long career in South American clubs.

Expected returns and notable absences

In addition to Moreno's presence, another positive piece of news is the return of center back Yerson Mosquera, from Wolverhampton, England, who recovered from a serious knee injury suffered in September 2023. His return strengthens a defense that has shown some cracks in recent matches.

The list maintains the usual pillars of the team, such as Luis Diaz, now at Bayern Munich; James Rodriguez, from Leon de Mexico; Richard Rios, who plays for Benfica; Davinson Sanchez, who plays for Galatasaray; and Daniel Munoz, from Crystal Palace. Also included are players who have established themselves during Lorenzo's tenure, such as Jhon Arias, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica, Jefferson Lerma, and Jhon Cordoba.

However, there were notable absences from last season's squad. Center-back Carlos Cuesta (Galatasaray), full-back Cristian Borja (America de Mexico), and forwards Jhon Duran (Fenerbahce) and Juan Camilo "Cucho" Hernandez (Real Betis) were left out of the squad for this crucial double date.

Colombia currently occupies sixth place in the table with 22 points. A win over Bolivia in Barranquilla would mathematically secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Full list of players called up by Nestor Lorenzo

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas-MEX), David Ospina (Atletico Nacional), and Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul-MEX).

Defenders: Andres Roman (Atletico Nacional), Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace-ING), Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray-TUR), Deiver Machado (Lens-FRA), Jhon Lucumi (Bologna-ITA), Johan Mojica (Mallorca-ESP), Santiago Arias (Bahia-BRA), Yerry Mina (Cagliari-ITA), and Yerson Mosquera (Wolverhampton-ING).

Midfielders: James Rodriguez (Leon-MEX), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central-ARG), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace-ING), Jhon Arias (Wolverhampton-ING), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo-BRA), Juan Camilo Portilla (Talleres-ARG), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate-ARG), Kevin Castano (River Plate-ARG) and Richard Rios (Benfica-POR).