Could Colombia’s longest unbeaten streak signal a major World Cup breakthrough?

For nearly three years now, Colombia has been a team on the rise, showcasing remarkable form
on the international stage. Their recent Copa America performance, where they reached the
final, served as a clear preview of the talent they’ll bring to the 2026 World Cup. With this
momentum, the Colombians are setting their sights high, aiming not only for a strong showing
but potentially a top-three finish on football’s biggest stage.
My confidence in Colombia’s potential stems from their recent performances in two key
competitions: The Copa America 2024 and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During the Copa
America last July, Colombia demonstrated remarkable determination and consistency as a
team. They played with high intensity from the group stage, putting on a standout
performance, a draw 1-1 against Brazil—always a favorite contender—and dominating their
other group and quarterfinal opponents. In a hard-fought semifinal, they edged out Uruguay 1-
0, setting up a dramatic final clash with World champions Argentina. In that final, Colombia held
their own, matching Argentina’s level throughout regular time and ultimately falling in the extra
time where Lautaro Martinez scored in the 112 th minute. That was their first and only lost game
in the tournament. This was their longest unbeaten streak in the history of 28 games (22 wins
and 6 draws), surpassing the previous from 1994. This was also their first final after 2001 when
they won the tournament against Mexico.

 

Another key factor bolstering Colombia’s case is their performance in the 2026 World Cup
qualifiers, where they are closely trailing Argentina, just three points behind the World
champions. Colombia even claimed a 2-1 victory in their first qualifying match against Argentina
at home. Their solid record of 5 wins, 4 draws, and only 1 loss—demonstrates their consistency
and competitive edge, highlighting their strength and resilience as a serious threat in the
competition.

Although it’s still early—with a year and a half remaining until the World Cup—what stands out
most is the consistent, impressive form of many Colombian players at their respective clubs. To
capture this better, I’ll delve into a detailed analysis of these key players and their recent
performances.

Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier (24)
Cruz Azul’s new goalkeeper, Mier, who joined at the beginning of 2024, is in outstanding form
now. In his 14 appearances, he’s conceded just 9 goals and kept an impressive 8 clean sheets.
With his strong performances, Cruz Azul now holds the top spot in the Mexican Liga MX. At only

24 years old, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him move to one of Europe’s top 5 leagues before
the World Cup.

Left-Back/ Center-back: Juan Cabal (23)
Juan is steadily establishing himself as a strong contender within a prestigious club like
Juventus. The new signing has already made 6 appearances and contributed an assist for the
Turin side, even completing a full 90 minutes against top rivals Inter. His versatility, allowing
him to play both as a left-back and center-back, promises to bring him valuable experience in
Serie A and the Champions League—skills he could carry into standout World Cup
performances for his national team.

Defensive Midfielder/Central-Midfielder Richard Rios (24)
Rios has proven himself an irreplaceable presence in the midfield, despite his more defensive
midfield role. He delivered an impressive performance in the Copa America and is currently
competing for the title with Palmeiras in Brazil’s Serie A Betano. Last summer, his name was
already linked to top European clubs like Manchester United, AC Milan, and Roma. A move to a
major European team wouldn’t be surprising, which would only elevate the level of competition
within the Colombian squad.

Left Winger: Luis Diaz (27)
Colombia’s greatest weapon heading into the World Cup will undoubtedly be their attack, led
by the electrifying Luis Diaz. This season, Diaz has stormed into the Premier League with 5 goals
and 2 assists in just 9 games, signaling a powerful partnership with Salah as they push for the
title race until the very end. As Colombia’s captain, Diaz is set to lead the charge, aiming to
drive his national team to new heights on football’s biggest stage.

Center-Forward Jhon Duran (20)
Perhaps the Premier League’s biggest revelation this season, Duran is making every minute
count for Aston Villa. Despite coming off the bench for most appearances, he’s already netted 7
goals in 13 games—an astounding average of a goal every 62 minutes. At just 20 years old, he’s
rising as a natural goal-scorer, and it’s clear he’s destined to lead the line for Colombia’s
national team as well.

So far, I’ve highlighted five potential key players for the Colombian national team, each from a
different position, underscoring the squad’s diversity and tactical flexibility. These players are
relatively young, giving Colombia a competitive edge as they continue to develop their skills and
gain more experience over the next 18 months leading up to the World Cup. By then, this core
group will be even more seasoned and cohesive, ready to take on global competition. Notably,
most of these players hold key roles within their clubs, adding further to their leadership and
influence on the field.
Complementing this youthful core are Colombia’s veteran stars—players like the ever-creative
James Rodríguez, the powerful striker Jhon Córdoba, the playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero,
and the defensive anchor Davidson Sánchez. These experienced players bring a wealth of
knowledge and stability, offering mentorship to the younger talents and balancing the team’s
dynamic. Together, this mix of fresh talent and seasoned leaders positions Colombia as a force
ready to make a deep impact on the world stage.
As a bonus, Colombia will be fueled by an army of passionate supporters from the vibrant
Colombian diaspora across the United States, Mexico, and Canada—the host nations for the
upcoming World Cup. Colombian fans, famous for their infectious energy and fierce loyalty, are
set to transform the stands into a sea of yellow, creating an electrifying, home-field atmosphere
for every game. Their relentless chants and boundless enthusiasm will be a powerful force,
igniting the players and adding an extra spark to the team’s performance. With this unmatched
fan support, combined with their talented, dynamic squad, Colombia is ready to create another
historical success, maybe bigger than the quarter-final, back in 2014 which is their best
performance on the big stage.