Colombia Qualifies for 2026 World Cup After Win Against Bolivia

Colombia has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win against Bolivia at the Estadio Metropolitano de Barranquilla. This will be Colombia’s 7th participation at the FIFA World Cup. James Rodriguez, Jhon Cordoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero scored for the national team.

Nestor Lorenzo’s team won for the first time in six games. They had previously drawn against Argentina, Peru, and Paraguay, and lost against Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Bolivia must win if they want to keep their chances of qualifying for World Cup for the fourth time in their history.

Colombia will try to avoided drama, as its final game of the qualifiers will be against Venezuela, in Maturin. After losing to Argentina, Venezuela still has chances of qualifying for their first World Cup in their history, if they score more points than Bolivia in their final two games.

Colombia qualifies for the 2026 World Cup after key win against Bolivia

The Colombian starting team that beat Bolivia was conformed by Camilo Vargas; Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, John Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz; and John Córdoba.

Jhon Cordoba remained a controversial pick by Lorenzo in the #9 position given his poor performances in earlier games of the qualifiers as well as in last year’s Copa America. On the other hand, fan’s favorite veteran striker Dayro Moreno came on at the 82nd minute of the game.

James Rodríguez opened the scoring in minute 31 with a precise finish after a play on the right. Jhon Cordoba doubled the lead in the 74th minute following a quick attacking transition, and Juan Fernando Quintero sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, sparking celebrations at the Estadio Metropolitano.

Colombia controlled possession and dictated the attacking rhythm, while Bolivia, in need of points, struggled to generate real danger. Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe made key saves in the first half, but Colombia’s relentless pressure ultimately translated into a comfortable win.

After the win, Colombia stands fifth in the South American Qualifiers with 25 points, as they leaped over Paraguay, who drew against Ecuador.

Bolivia is eighth in the standings with 17 points, and the game against Brazil at el alto is the last chance for them to stay in the race for a spot at next year’s World Cup. Bolivia lined up with Carlos Lampe, Roberto Fernandez, Leonardo Zabala, Jose Sagredo, Luis Haquin, Diego Medina, Henry Vaca, Moises Villarroel, Gabriel Villamil, Miguel Terceros, and Enzo Monteiro.