Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández has been selected for the Colombian national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The inclusion marked a significant moment for the Real Betis forward, who has had an impressive season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions.
Cucho Hernández Joins Colombia for World Cup Campaign
This major announcement comes from head coach Néstor Lorenzo, who named a squad of 26 players for the tournament. Colombia will kick off their World Cup journey against Uzbekistan on June 17, 2026, in Ciudad de México.
Key Players in the Squad
- Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero, David Ospina
- Defenders: Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Johan Mojica, Deiver Machado
- Midfielders: Richard Ríos, Jefferson Lerma, Kevin Castaño, Juan Camilo Portilla, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Fernando Quintero, James Rodríguez, Jaminton Campaz
- Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernández, Luis Díaz, Luis Javier Suárez, Carlos Gómez, Jhon Córdoba
The selection of Cucho Hernández is particularly notable as he joins fellow Betis teammates Cedrick Bakambu and Ricardo Rodríguez, both of whom will also represent their nations in the tournament. This adds depth to the Real Betis representation at the World Cup.
Colombia’s World Cup Schedule
Colombia has a challenging group stage ahead. Here are the key matches:
| Match | Date | Time (CET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan vs. Colombia | June 17, 2026 | 16:00 | Estadio Banorte, Ciudad de México |
| Colombia vs. RD Congo | June 23, 2026 | 16:00 | Estadio Akron, Zapopan |
| Colombia vs. Portugal | June 27, 2026 | 13:30 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
Excitement is building as fans look forward to the tournament. Cucho will be keen to make an impact as Colombia aims for success in this prestigious event.
