¡Confirmado! Tercera cita de la Tricolor: Día y rival sorpresa para la fecha FIFA
Colombia’s National Team Gets Ready for a Fresh Start: Three Friendly Matches Announced!
TL;DR: After the World Cup, Colombia’s soccer team is hitting the "reset button." They’re heading to the USA in September/October 2026 for three practice games against Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru. It’s the first look at the new team Coach Néstor Lorenzo is building for the future!
What’s the Big News?
Imagine your favorite video game just released a new season. The developers (coaches) need to test new characters (players), fix bugs (tactics), and get ready for the big tournaments coming up. That’s exactly what’s happening with Colombia’s National Team right now!
After the 2026 World Cup in North America, the team is entering a brand new cycle. Coach Néstor Lorenzo (who got a contract extension!) is preparing for:
- 2028 Copa América
- 2030 World Cup
Saying Goodbye to Legends
Before we talk about the new games, let’s acknowledge the legends who are stepping aside. These players gave everything for Colombia but are now making room for the next generation:
| Player | Position | Why They’re Special |
|---|---|---|
| David Ospina | Goalkeeper | Long-time captain & wall at the back |
| Camilo Vargas | Goalkeeper | Reliable backup who became a starter |
| James Rodríguez | Midfielder | The magician with the left foot |
| Yerry Mina | Defender | The rock in defense & goal threat on corners |
| Santiago Arias | Defender | Speedy right-back with tons of experience |
ELI5 Moment: Think of it like your favorite teachers retiring. They taught you so much, but now new teachers arrive with fresh ideas!
The Three-Game Schedule in the USA
The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has been busy booking a three-week training camp in the United States (Sept 21 – Oct 6). Here’s the lineup:
Match 1: Colombia vs. Mexico
- Date: September 26, 2026
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Status: CONFIRMED
Match 2: Colombia vs. Paraguay
- Date: October 2, 2026
- Location: New Jersey (MetLife Stadium area)
- Status: ALMOST DONE (Journalist Sebastián Vargas says it’s 99% certain)
Match 3: Colombia vs. Peru
- Date: October 6, 2026
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Status: CONFIRMED
Why the United States? (ELI5 Explanation)
Simple Answer: It’s like a neutral playground!
- Easy travel for European-based players
- Great stadiums (NFL quality!)
- Huge Colombian fan communities in all three cities
- Good weather for soccer in September/October
- Money-making for the Federation (ticket sales, TV rights)
What "New Cycle" Actually Means
Coach Lorenzo isn’t just picking 11 guys and hoping for the best. This is a strategic rebuild:
1. Scouting New Talent
- Watching young stars in Colombia’s league & abroad
- Giving chances to players who never got a shot before
2. Testing Systems
- Trying different formations (4-3-3? 3-5-2? 4-2-3-1?)
- Seeing who fits Lorenzo’s "play from the back" style
3. Building Chemistry
- New players need time to understand each other
- These friendlies = low-stakes practice before real games count
4. Leadership Transition
- Who becomes the new captain?
- Which veterans stay to mentor youngsters?
IMPORTANT: What This Means for Fans
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Don’t expect the same starting 11 from the World Cup
- Results don’t matter as much as performance in these games
- Watch for NEW FACES — this is your chance to spot tomorrow’s stars!
- Paraguay game isn’t 100% official yet — wait for FCF confirmation
- All games in US Eastern Time — plan your viewing parties!
Quick Reference: The Schedule at a Glance
| # | Date | Opponent | City | Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept 26 | Mexico | Baltimore | YES |
| 2 | Oct 2 | Paraguay | New Jersey | Pending |
| 3 | Oct 6 | Peru | Miami | YES |
Summary: The Big Picture
Colombia’s national team is turning the page after the World Cup. Think of these three games in the USA as presason training camp but with real opponents and real crowds.
Coach Lorenzo gets to:
- Experiment without World Cup pressure
- Evaluate young players in real matches
- Build a team identity for 2028 & 2030
- Connect with fans in the US Colombian community
Bottom line: It’s not about winning these friendlies — it’s about building the future!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Why are they playing friendlies instead of official games?
A: After a World Cup, there’s a long gap before the next qualifiers (which start in 2027 for 2030 World Cup). FIFA sets aside "windows" for national teams to play practice games. It’s like scrimmages before the real season!
Q: Will James Rodríguez really never play for Colombia again?
A: He hasn’t officially "retired" from the national team, but at 35+ years old in 2028, it’s very unlikely. The article says he "burned his last cartridges" — a Spanish phrase meaning he gave his final efforts. But in soccer, never say never!
Q: How can I watch these games?
A: Usually on Caracol TV, RCN, or streaming platforms like Win Sports / DirecTV Sports in Colombia. In the US, check Telemundo, Universo, or Peacock. Official broadcasters get announced closer to the dates.
Q: What if the Paraguay game falls through?
A: The Federation would scramble to find another opponent — maybe another South American team or a CONCACAF side (like USA, Canada, Costa Rica). But journalist Sebastián Vargas is reliable, so it’ll likely happen!
Q: Who might be the NEW stars to watch?
A: Keep an eye on:
- Jhon Durán (striker, Aston Villa) — if he keeps scoring
- Yáser Asprilla (winger, Watford/Girona) — electric talent
- Óscar Cortés (winger, Rangers) — speed demon
- Andrés Gómez (midfielder, Real Salt Lake) — MLS standout
- New goalkeepers — big shoes to fill after Ospina/Vargas!
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Article based on reporting by Harold Yepes Izquierdo for El Tiempo (Published August 19, 2026). All match details subject to official FCF confirmation.