So, Colombia is back. Honestly, that absence in 2022 felt like a decade-long fever dream for anyone who follows CONMEBOL. But now, with Néstor Lorenzo steering the ship, the vibe is completely different. The colombia national team schedule is no longer a list of "what ifs" and mathematical miracles—it’s a roadmap for a team that actually looks like a contender again.
You've probably seen the headlines. They finished the qualifiers in third place, trailing only the giants, Argentina and Ecuador. That's a massive statement. But if you’re trying to plan your life around their upcoming matches, things get a bit chaotic with friendlies, travel logistics, and the eventual kickoff in Mexico and Miami.
The Road to June: Friendlies and the Farewell
Before the real drama starts in North America, Colombia has a few dates circled in red. The federation is currently focused on high-level European tests. It’s basically a way to see if the success they had against South American rivals translates to the global stage.
🔗 Read more: Santa Clarita Soccer Center Santa Clarita CA: Why Local Pros and Weekend Warriors Still Swear By It
March is the first big window.
Mark your calendar for March 26, 2026.
Colombia is slated to face Croatia in an international friendly. It’s a fascinating matchup. You’ve got the technical mastery of the aging but still brilliant Croatian midfield against the raw athleticism and speed of Luis Díaz and Richard Ríos.
Then there is the "Farewell Match."
Coach Néstor Lorenzo recently teased that they want a massive send-off in Bogota. This will likely happen in late May or very early June. The goal isn’t just to wave goodbye to the fans; it’s about altitude. Lorenzo specifically wants to train at a site that mimics the thin air of Mexico City, where they’ll be opening their World Cup campaign.
- March 26, 2026: vs. Croatia (Friendly)
- March 29, 2026: vs. France (Friendly - Provisional)
- Late May/Early June 2026: Farewell match in Bogota (Opponent TBD)
The France match is particularly juicy. Playing the 2022 finalists just months before the tournament is the ultimate "vibe check" for this squad.
Colombia National Team Schedule: The World Cup Group Stage
This is where the rubber meets the road. Colombia was drawn into Group K. It’s a group that looks manageable on paper, but if you’ve watched this team for years, you know they have a habit of making the "easy" games look like a struggle.
Match 1: Uzbekistan – June 17, 2026
The campaign kicks off at the iconic Mexico City Stadium. Kickoff is set for 10:00 PM ET. Uzbekistan isn't a traditional powerhouse, but they are disciplined. For Colombia, this is a "must-win" to avoid a nervous breakdown heading into the second match.
Match 2: The Playoff Winner – June 23, 2026
This one is a bit of a mystery for now. Colombia will travel to Guadalajara to face the winner of the FIFA Playoff Tournament 1. This could be Jamaica, New Caledonia, or DR Congo.
Honestly, Jamaica would be a nightmare matchup physically. Their speed on the counter matches up well—or poorly, depending on how you look at it—with Colombia’s attacking fullbacks. This game also kicks off at 10:00 PM ET.
Match 3: Portugal – June 27, 2026
The big one. This isn't just a game; it's a spectacle.
Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) will basically be a home game for Colombia. The Colombian diaspora in South Florida is legendary. Expect a yellow wall. Portugal, likely still led by a very veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, will be the toughest test. This match is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, a prime-time slot that will likely decide who wins the group.
💡 You might also like: Why the Denver Broncos 2013 Season Schedule Was Actually a Defensive Coordinator's Nightmare
Why the Recent Form Matters
People forget how bad things looked under Reinaldo Rueda. The team went seven matches without scoring a single goal. Seven! That’s almost impossible with the talent they have.
Lorenzo changed the philosophy.
The colombia national team schedule in late 2025 was a masterclass. They dismantled Mexico 4-0 in a friendly and beat Venezuela 6-3 in a wild qualifying finale. James Rodríguez is playing with a chip on his shoulder again, and Jhon Durán is proving to be the physical "number 9" they’ve lacked since Falcao’s prime.
Key Players to Watch During This Schedule
If you're following these games, keep an eye on the "new" core. It’s not just about James anymore.
- Luis Díaz: The undisputed star. If he’s healthy, Colombia can beat anyone.
- Richard Ríos: The breakout midfielder. He provides the "grinta" and ball progression that makes the 4-2-3-1 system work.
- Jhon Lucumí: The anchor in the back. With Davinson Sánchez sometimes being a wild card, Lucumí’s composure is vital.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the team or even travel for the matches, here's what you need to do right now:
✨ Don't miss: Finding Your Way: The US Open Tennis Map Secrets No One Tells You
- Verify Ticket Phases: FIFA tickets for the Mexico City and Miami matches are sold in phases. Don't wait for the secondary market; the Miami game against Portugal will have insane markups.
- Check Broadcast Rights: In Colombia, Caracol and RCN will have the games. In the US, look toward Fox Sports and Telemundo.
- Watch the March Friendlies: These aren't "meaningless." They will determine who makes the final 26-man roster. Lorenzo is still undecided on his backup goalkeeper and third-choice striker.
The road to July 19 is long, but for the first time in years, the Colombian national team looks like they belong among the elite. Keep the coffee brewing; it's going to be a late June.