Colombia begin final World Cup preparations by hosting Costa Rica at Estadio El Campin. The hosts enter the match after consecutive friendly defeats to Croatia and France, their first back-to-back losses since March 2025. During South American qualifying, they earned praise, finishing with a 6-3 win over Venezuela and ultimately securing a bronze medal finish. Their World Cup campaign starts on June 18 against Uzbekistan, with a goal of reaching the knockout stage. James Rodriguez is included despite potential club changes, while Luis Diaz is expected to lead in attack. Daniel Munoz, Jefferson Lerma, and David Ospina are also named, with Davinson Sanchez likely starting in defense. Costa Rica arrive after missing out on their World Cup ticket and enduring a poor run, including a 5-0 defeat in March.
"While skipper James Rodriguez might once again be searching for a new club after mutually agreeing to leave MLS outfit Minnesota this month, the former Real Madrid superstar has been included in Colombia's squad. Likewise, enjoying a remarkable maiden campaign in the Bundesliga and crowned domestic champions with Bayern Munich, ex-Liverpool ace Luis Diaz will play a leading role in the final third. The Crystal Palace duo of Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma have been included in Colombia's squad, as has former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. One-time Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez should start at the heart of Lorenzo's defence."
#international-friendlies #colombia-national-team #costa-rica-national-team #world-cup-2026 #team-news
Read at Soccer News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]