James Rodriguez is named captain as Colombia announce a 26-player World Cup squad, with Jhon Duran left out. Colombia return to FIFA’s showpiece after missing Qatar 2022, arriving with pressure after finishing Copa America runners-up in 2024. James keeps a central role despite limited recent club minutes.

Colombia enter the tournament in strong form and face Uzbekistan, DR Congo and Portugal in Group K. The draw offers early tests against varied styles. Expectations inside Colombia rise after a deep continental run, and experienced names combine with several players in peak club form.

James features even though the midfielder only plays four games for Minnesota United before departing in May. The playmaker still carries great tournament pedigree. James wins the Golden Boot in Brazil 2014 with six goals, which remains Colombia’s highest individual tally at World Cup finals.

The recent CONMEBOL qualifying campaign underlines James’ value. The midfielder records seven assists, the most of any player in the 2026 qualifiers. Luis Diaz adds major attacking threat, scoring seven goals for Colombia in that campaign, a figure beaten only by Argentina star Lionel Messi with eight.

Diaz, now at Bayern Munich, is selected, as are Crystal Palace pair Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma. Duran misses out despite spending the second half of the season on loan at Zenit Saint Petersburg from Al-Nassr. Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez, who hits 28 goals in 32 Primeira Liga matches in 2025-26, is a leading option in attack.

The squad covers experienced internationals and players gaining European exposure across several leagues. Nestor Lorenzo balances continuity with form choices, spreading selection across South America, Europe and MLS. Goalkeepers bring seasoned international backgrounds, while the defence mixes Premier League experience with Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 campaigns.

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Colombia therefore head into the World Cup with a squad combining star names, proven qualifiers output and club-level form. The group draw, the return of James as captain and the omission of Duran all shape expectations for how Nestor Lorenzo’s side perform on the global stage.