Néstor Lorenzo has named his 26-man Colombia squad for the 2026 World Cup — and the headline news is that captain James Rodríguez is in it. The playmaker had been a doubt after a recent illness, but he's cleared to lead the side into what could be his final World Cup. Luis Díaz is also confirmed in the group, adding another layer of genuine star quality to a Colombia side that arrives in North America as one of South America's more credible contenders.
The nature and severity of Rodríguez's illness hasn't been detailed by either Lorenzo or the Colombian federation, but BBC Sport confirmed his inclusion after the fitness concern had been circulating. For Colombia, this is significant. James is still the creative heartbeat of this side — the player who sets the tempo, picks the passes, and carries the weight of a nation's expectations with a nonchalance that only he seems to manage. A World Cup without him in the squad would have been a very different conversation.
He'll be 34 by the time the tournament kicks off. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is almost certainly his last. Lorenzo will want him fit, sharp, and central.
Luis Díaz is also named in the squad, and his presence gives Colombia genuine width and pace to complement whatever James conjures in the middle. ESPN's coverage of the announcement referred to him as 'Bayern's Díaz' — a description that conflicts with his known affiliation with Liverpool at the time of writing. BBC Sport made no mention of any club change.
Whether that reflects a transfer that has since been completed, an editorial label applied in anticipation of a move, or simply an error, isn't confirmed at this stage. Flagside is treating Díaz's club status as unverified pending official confirmation from either Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or the player's camp. What is confirmed: he's in the squad, he'll be on the left, and defenders will know about it.
Lorenzo has built something quietly impressive with this Colombia side — disciplined in shape, dangerous on the counter, and now with enough individual quality to hurt anyone on their day. They reached the Copa América final in 2024, losing to Argentina, and that run gave this group real tournament experience at the highest level.
A 26-man squad named, a captain fit, a winger in form. Colombia will not be anyone's idea of an easy draw.
Lorenzo named the squad without drama. James, characteristically, said nothing publicly — and somehow still dominated the story.
Néstor Lorenzo has named his 26-man Colombia squad for the 2026 World Cup — and the headline news is that captain James Rodríguez is in it. The playmaker had been a doubt after a recent illness, but he's cleared to lead…
Fontes
ESPN FC, BBC Sport — Football
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