Excitement ignited across the country after the results of the official draw for the 2026 World Cup were announced, which defined the groups for the first phase.
The Colombian national team will be in Group K , where they will face Portugal , Uzbekistan and the winner of the FIFA 1 playoff , which could be Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia .
The official announcement was made during the FIFA World Cup Draw 2026 ceremony, held in Dallas, USA , where the initial schedule and host cities for each zone of the tournament were confirmed.
A challenging but possible group for Colombia
Although Group K features rivals with very different characteristics, experts believe that the Colombian team has a good chance of advancing to the next phase.
Portugal , led by a new generation that combines experience and youth, is the group's favorite.
Uzbekistan , a constantly growing Asian team, could be a surprise if it maintains its physical and fast style.
The winner of the FIFA 1 playoff — which will be between Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia — completes the group and promises to fight for a historic spot.
Given this scenario, Colombia must maintain a balance between its offensive power and the tactical discipline it has shown in recent qualifying tournaments.
Colombia's schedule in Group K of the 2026 World Cup
Although FIFA will adjust the official schedules according to venues and time zones, the order of the matches in Group K is already known.
| Date | Game | Estimated location |
|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | Colombia vs Uzbekistan | Houston (USA) |
| June 18, 2026 | Colombia vs FIFA Playoff 1 | Monterrey (Mexico) |
| June 24, 2026 | Colombia vs Portugal | New Jersey (USA) |
The top two teams from each group and the best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32 , a new feature in this edition of the World Cup with 48 teams .
Analysis of Group K rivals
Portugal 🇵🇹
The European team comes in as a top seed thanks to their solid campaign in the European qualifiers.
Among its figures are Bernardo Silva , Bruno Fernandes and young talents like João Félix , heirs to a technical and orderly school.
Portugal combines a lethal attack with quick transitions, making them the most complex rival for Colombia.
Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
Although it remains an enigma to many, the Uzbek national team has shown steady improvement. It has been a key player in the Asian Cup and boasts a young generation accustomed to playing under pressure.
Their main strength lies in their speed and tactical discipline. Facing them will be key to securing the first three points.
FIFA Play-off 1 (Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia)
The team that manages to qualify from the intercontinental play-off will complete the group.
Jamaica would arrive with experience and Premier League players.
Congo would contribute physical strength.
New Caledonia would represent one of the most exciting stories if it reaches its first World Cup.
The chances of the Colombian National Team
The national sports press agrees that Colombia has a real chance of advancing to the round of 16 .
With established players in Europe and young talents, the team led by Néstor Lorenzo combines balance, grit and technique.
Key factors:
Defensive solidity: led by Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez and Carlos Cuesta.
Creative generation: Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez and Jhon Arias are the engine of the attack.
Team play: the team has demonstrated tactical cohesion and emotional maturity.
Furthermore, Colombia arrives with a positive streak in the South American Qualifiers , where they remain undefeated and have shown remarkable effectiveness against historic rivals.
Venues where Colombia will play
FIFA confirmed that the Group K matches will be played in three host countries:
Houston (United States) – NRG Stadium
Monterrey (Mexico) – BBVA Stadium
New Jersey (United States) – MetLife Stadium
These stadiums have a capacity of over 60,000 spectators , guaranteeing a vibrant atmosphere with the presence of thousands of Colombian fans residing in North America.
What to expect from the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be the longest and most diverse edition in history:
48 teams will participate.
104 matches will be played.
It will have 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico .
The final will be played on July 19, 2026 in New York/New Jersey .
This new structure seeks to broaden the scope of the tournament and offer more opportunities to emerging teams, without losing its competitive essence.
The sentiment in Colombia
After the group was announced, excitement swept social media.
Fans pointed out that, although the group is demanding, the Colombian team has what it takes to compete on equal terms against powerhouses like Portugal.
On social networks like Twitter and Facebook , phrases like "yes we can" and "let's go Colombia" became trending topics, demonstrating the unconditional support of the fans.
General schedule of the 2026 World Cup
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group stage | June 11-27, 2026 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 to July 3 |
| Round of 16 | July 4-7 |
| Quarter finals | July 9-11 |
| Semifinals | July 14 and 15 |
| End | July 19, 2026 |
(Source: fifa.com )
What's next for the Tricolor
In the coming months, Colombia will continue its preparations, playing international friendlies in the United States and Europe.
The coaching staff plans to consolidate a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias on the wings, James as the creative midfielder and Rafael Santos Borré as the main striker.
The objective is clear: to get through the group stage and reach at least the quarter-finals , matching or surpassing the historic performance of Brazil 2014.