Honestly, if you weren't glued to your screen during the Copa América Femenina final last August, you missed the most chaotic game of the year. Colombia women's national football team games have transformed from "scrappy underdog stories" into absolute tactical masterclasses that keep the entire continent awake at night. We're talking about a team that just pushed Brazil to a 4-4 deadlock in a final. Four to four. In a major championship game. That just doesn't happen.
People keep waiting for the "Linda Caicedo hype" to cool down, but it's actually doing the opposite. It’s intensifying.
The Heartbreak in Quito: 2025 Copa América Femenina
The 2025 final was basically a fever dream for anyone who follows South American football. Colombia entered the match in Quito as the definitive second-best team in the region, but they played like they owned the grass.
It was a rollercoaster. Brazil took an early 2-0 lead, and usually, that's where teams fold. Not Las Cafeteras. Mayra Ramírez—who is quite literally a powerhouse for Chelsea when she isn't wearing the yellow jersey—bulled her way through the Brazilian defense to spark a comeback that eventually forced a 4-4 draw after extra time.
Penalties are a cruel way to lose. Colombia fell 5-4 in the shootout, but the narrative changed that night. They aren't just "participating" anymore. They're hunting.
Recent Results That Mattered
- The 8-0 Demolition of Bolivia: A total mismatch where the technical gap looked like a canyon.
- The Argentina Semifinal: A 0-0 grind that went to penalties (5-4 win for Colombia). It showed they can play ugly when they need to.
- The Brazil Group Stage Draw: A 0-0 tactical chess match that proved the final wasn't a fluke.
Why the SheBelieves Cup 2026 is the Next Big Test
If you're looking for the next window of colombia women's national football team games, mark your calendar for March 2026. This is where the world finds out if Colombia can handle the North American style of play. They aren't just playing local rivals; they’re flying into a hornet's nest.
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The schedule is grueling.
On March 1, they open against Canada in Nashville. Canada is physical, disciplined, and notoriously difficult to break down. Then, they head to Columbus on March 4 to face Argentina—a familiar foe, but one that always plays Colombia with a specific kind of desperation.
The big one? March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey. Colombia vs. the United States.
The USWNT is currently in a massive transition phase under Emma Hayes, but they’ve historically dominated this fixture. The all-time record is a bit depressing for Colombian fans: 12 wins for the USA and 2 draws. Colombia has never actually beaten the Americans. If there was ever a time for a "statement win," it’s in front of a packed New Jersey crowd that will undoubtedly be half-filled with Colombian expats screaming for Mayra and Linda.
Tactical Shifts: Life Under Ángelo Marsiglia
There’s a misconception that Colombia just relies on individual brilliance. Sure, Linda Caicedo can dribble through a phone booth, but the structure has changed. Coach Ángelo Marsiglia has been leaning into a high-press system that looks more European than traditional South American "Joga Bonito."
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They aren't sitting back.
The midfield trio, usually anchored by the veteran Daniela Montoya, has become much more aggressive. They’re winning the ball higher up the pitch, which allows Leicy Santos and Catalina Usme to find those killer passes before the opposition can set their defensive line.
Players to Watch in 2026
- Linda Caicedo: The Real Madrid star is still the face of the team. Her ability to accelerate from a standstill is terrifying for fullbacks.
- Mayra Ramírez: She’s the physical focal point. If you try to outmuscle her, you’re going to lose.
- Katherine Tapia: The goalkeeper was a standout in the 2025 Copa América. Her reflexes in the shootout against Argentina were basically the reason they reached the final.
- Catalina Usme: The "Eternal Captain." She’s the top scorer for a reason. Her left foot is still one of the most dangerous weapons in world football for set pieces.
The Road to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil
Everything right now is a dress rehearsal for the 2027 World Cup. Since the tournament is being held in Brazil, the atmosphere is going to be electric—and effectively a home game for any South American nation.
Colombia is currently sitting at its highest FIFA ranking ever (18th as of late 2025). That’s a long way from their lowest point of 43rd back in 2007. The trajectory is straight up.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking this team is "young and inexperienced." While Linda is the poster child for youth, the spine of the team is actually quite seasoned. Carolina Arias and Daniela Montoya have seen everything. They provide the emotional ballast when the younger players start to feel the pressure of the big stages.
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Upcoming 2026 Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 1 | Canada | SheBelieves Cup | Nashville, TN |
| March 4 | Argentina | SheBelieves Cup | Columbus, OH |
| March 7 | USA | SheBelieves Cup | Harrison, NJ |
| April 10 | Venezuela | Nations League | TBD |
| April 14 | Chile | Nations League | TBD |
The CONMEBOL Women's Nations League follows right after the US trip. It’s a relentless schedule, but that’s exactly what they need to bridge the gap between "great" and "elite."
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to follow the team properly, don't just check the scores. You've got to watch the movement off the ball.
Keep an eye on the 2026 SheBelieves Cup broadcasts on HBO Max or Universo. These games will be the clearest indicator of whether Colombia can handle the pace of the top 10 teams in the world.
If you're in the US, get tickets for the New Jersey game early. The Colombian fan base in the Northeast is massive, and that match against the USA is likely to feel like a home game for Las Cafeteras.
The best way to support the growth of the team is to engage with the domestic league in Colombia too—the Liga Femenina—where many of these stars got their start. The pipeline from clubs like América de Cali and Atlético Nacional to the national team is what keeps this engine running.
Next time there's a match, watch how Mayra Ramírez uses her body to shield the ball. It's a masterclass in center-forward play that you won't see in many other national teams.