Colombia’s national football team is set to return to the Nemesio Camacho El Campín stadium in Bogotá after a seven-year hiatus. The friendly match against Costa Rica serves as a farewell to fans before the 2026 World Cup. Coach Néstor Lorenzo will use this opportunity to evaluate his squad just ten days before the tournament kicks off in North America.
Preparation and Squad Update
The Colombian team commenced its official training on May 25 in Bogotá. Players have gradually joined the 26-member roster selected by Néstor Lorenzo. Notably, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, and Daniel Muñoz were among the last to arrive for the training camp.
A Special Farewell in Bogotá
This friendly against Costa Rica is particularly meaningful, marking Colombia’s first game in the capital since 2019. The last match held in Bogotá was also a friendly, leading up to the Copa América. The stadium is expected to be filled with over 30,000 supporters, creating an exciting atmosphere for the players.
Néstor Lorenzo’s Expected Lineup
Lorenzo is poised to unveil much of his preferred starting eleven against Costa Rica. The potential starting formation is as follows:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Camilo Vargas |
| Right Back | Santiago Arias |
| Central Defender | Dávinson Sánchez |
| Central Defender | Jhon Jáner Lucumí |
| Left Back | Johan Mojica |
| Midfielder | Kevin Castaño |
| Midfielder | Richard Ríos |
| Midfielder | James Rodríguez (Captain) |
| Forward | Jhon Arias |
| Forward | Luis Díaz |
| Forward | Luis Javier Suárez |
This lineup indicates a clear strategy, with strong key players in essential positions. Colombia recently faced Costa Rica during the group stage of the 2025 Copa América, winning 3-0. Goals in that match were scored by Luis Díaz, Jhon Córdoba, and Davinson Sánchez.
Costa Rica’s Squad
Costa Rica will enter the match with its own set of skilled players, managed by Fernando Batista. The expected lineup includes:
- Patrick Sequeira (Goalkeeper)
- Haxzel Quirós (Defender)
- Jeyland Mitchell (Defender)
- Fernán Faerron (Defender)
- Jorkaeff Azofeifa (Defender)
- Orlando Galo (Midfielder)
- Cristoper Núñez (Midfielder)
- Luis Flores (Midfielder)
- Manfred Ugalde (Forward)
- Josimar Alcocer (Forward)
- Álvaro Zamora (Forward)
As Colombia prepares for a vital farewell match, fans eagerly await the team’s performance in Bogotá before the World Cup journey begins.
