If you were watching the 2023 World Cup, you probably saw Linda Caicedo score that wonder goal against Germany. It wasn't just a lucky strike. It was a statement. But honestly, the Colombia women's national football team has been making statements for years, even when the world—and their own federation—wasn't really listening.
People call them Las Chicas Superpoderosas (The Powerpuff Girls). It’s a cute nickname, sure, but it belies the absolute grit this squad has shown to survive a system that basically tried to ignore them for decades.
Right now, in early 2026, the team is in a weirdly exciting spot. They just came off a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Brazil in the 2025 Copa América Femenina final. It was a 4-4 draw that felt more like a street fight than a football match. Now, they're gearing up for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup in the U.S. this March. If you think they’re just there to participate, you haven't been paying attention.
The Fight for Respect Was Harder Than the Matches
For a long time, being a woman playing for the Colombia women's national football team meant playing for free. Or worse, paying for your own gear. Back in 2019, players like Isabella Echeverri and Melissa Ortiz blew the whistle on the Federation. They talked about unpaid wages and how the team was treated like an afterthought.
It was ugly.
But it worked. Public pressure forced the FCF to start taking things seriously. We aren't talking about "perfect equality" yet—don't let the PR departments fool you—but the flight from "amateur hour" to "professional powerhouse" has been incredibly fast.
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Why the 2023 World Cup Changed Everything
Before 2023, Colombia was "that South American team that isn't Brazil." After they reached the quarterfinals in Australia and New Zealand, that narrative died. They didn't just win; they played with a specific kind of berraquera—a Colombian term for being brave and determined.
They beat South Korea. They stunned Germany. They outclassed Jamaica. Even when they lost to England, they looked like they belonged. That tournament proved that the "golden generation" isn't just a buzzword. It's a reality.
The Linda Caicedo Factor (and Why She's Not Alone)
Look, we have to talk about Linda. She's 20 now. At Real Madrid, she’s already a regular, putting up solid numbers in Liga F. In the 2025/2026 season so far, she’s already bagged a few goals and assists, but her value to the Colombia women's national football team is more than just stats. She's the gravitational pull.
When Linda is on the wing, defenders panic. That opens up space for Mayra Ramírez. If you haven't seen Mayra play for Chelsea, you're missing out. She’s a tank. She holds the ball up better than almost anyone in the world right now.
And then there's the "eternal" Catalina Usme.
Usme is the soul of this team. She has over 126 caps and 62 goals. She’s the one who takes the high-pressure penalties. She’s the one who screams at the younger players when they lose focus. While Linda is the future, Usme is the foundation. Without her leadership during those lean years, this team might have folded.
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The Current Roster Vibe
The squad under Ángelo Marsiglia has become tactically much more flexible. They used to just sit back and counter. Now? They want the ball.
- Leicy Santos is the playmaker who dictates the tempo.
- Jorelyn Carabalí and Daniela Arias have turned the defense into a wall.
- Katherine Tapia has been a beast in goal lately, especially during that wild 2025 Copa América run.
What's Next? The 2026 SheBelieves Cup and Beyond
The schedule for March 2026 is brutal.
- March 1: vs. Canada in Nashville.
- March 4: vs. Argentina in Columbus.
- March 7: vs. USA in Harrison.
Playing the USA in New Jersey is going to be the ultimate litmus test. The U.S. is ranked 2nd; Colombia is hovering around 20th. But rankings don't account for the fact that Colombia tends to play better when they're the underdog. They thrive on the "us against the world" mentality.
The real goal, though, is the 2027 World Cup. The preparation starting now is all about depth. Can they find a replacement for the veterans? Can the U-20 stars like Gisela Robledo make the jump to being consistent starters for the senior team?
The Misconception About "Las Cafeteras"
People often think the women's team is just a smaller version of the men's team. It's not. Historically, the women have actually been more successful relative to their resources. They reached a World Cup quarterfinal before the current men's era. They’ve won Pan American gold (2019).
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The culture is different, too. There’s a sisterhood there that comes from literally fighting the system together. When you see them link arms during the anthem, it’s not just for the cameras. It’s because they remember when no one was watching.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you want to follow the Colombia women's national football team properly this year, stop just looking at the scorelines.
Watch the transition play. Colombia’s biggest strength is the speed at which they turn a defensive recovery into a Mayra Ramírez run. It’s lightning-fast.
Follow the European leagues. To understand why this team is getting better, watch Leicy Santos at Washington Spirit (or her previous Spanish stints) and Linda at Real Madrid. The "Europeanization" of their tactical discipline is the secret sauce.
Support the local league. The Liga Femenina in Colombia still struggles with short seasons. If you want this national team to stay top-20, the domestic league needs to run for 10 months, not four.
The era of Colombia being a "surprise" is over. They are a powerhouse now. And they're just getting started.