Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos and Sporting forward Luis Suárez have been named in Colombia’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Portugal in Group K. The inclusion of the two Portugal-based stars comes as no surprise, with Suárez earning his major tournament debut for the Cafeteros after finishing as the Primeira Liga’s top scorer, while Ríos prepares for his first-ever World Cup following a successful Copa América campaign.
Head coach Néstor Lorenzo’s list is headlined by former FC Porto stars James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, alongside established defensive pillars Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, and Yerry Mina. Notable omissions from the final roster include defender Yerson Mosquera, forward Rafael Santos Borré, and veteran winger Juan Cuadrado.
Colombia will kick off their Group K campaign on June 17 against tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Mexico City, followed by a clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 23 in Zapopan.
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The highly anticipated group finale will see Colombia take on Portugal on June 27 in Miami, a match that could decide who tops the group heading into the knockout stages. Lorenzo has assembled a balanced roster blending experienced international playmakers with red-hot attacking form to navigate the newly expanded 48-team tournament layout.
With heavy momentum behind their European-based contingent, Colombia enters the competition as one of South America’s most formidable contenders looking to make a deep run in North America.
