World Cup 2026 Dark Horses: Colombia’s Offensive Firepower Can Bring Back 2014 Magic | OneFootball

Twelve years ago, Colombia lit up the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Inspired by James Rodríguez, they recorded their best-ever finish by reaching the quarter-finals. They followed that with a round of 16 elimination in 2018 and a failure to qualify for the 2022 edition. By combining veteran leadership from their 2014 cohort with the talent that has since emerged, the South American side will be hoping to rediscover the level that carried them to their greatest World Cup campaign.

Rodríguez, the Golden Boot winner in Brazil, is now 34. Although he recently quashed rumours of an impending retirement, his intention to play ‘a few more years’ does not rule out the possibility that this could be his last World Cup. Few players in the squad come close to the experience their captain has amassed over a decorated career, and Colombia will once again rely on their talisman. Winning the Golden Ball at Copa América 2024 indicates his influence in tournaments has not waned.

Colombia reached the final of that tournament, where they were narrowly edged out by Argentina in Miami. It was their best effort since victory in 2001 and created optimism for their return to the United States this summer. They entered it in extraordinary form, with that defeat to the world champions ending a 28-match unbeaten streak. Following a short hangover from that agonising extra time loss, momentum returned with a run of nine unbeaten in 2025. Results indicate that manager Néstor Lorenzo has built a system suited to tournament football since his appointment in 2022.

Much of Colombia’s success has stemmed from a potent attack. Their 12 goals led all teams at the Copa América, while their tally of 28 was only bettered by Argentina in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. A similar theme defined the 2014 side – their nine group-stage goals were only trumped by the Netherlands and, despite quarter-final elimination, they finished as the tournament’s third top scorers. While Rodríguez’s six goals were instrumental, five other players scored in Brazil. Now, they arguably hold even greater firepower.

Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz scored seven goals in qualifying, second to Lionel Messi, and is the driving force of Lorenzo’s offence. Luis Suárez, who enjoyed a breakout campaign with Sporting CP, registered four. Rodríguez tallied three, while Jhon Durán, Juan Fernando Quintero and Rafael Santos Borré all scored two. Traditional dark horses scarcely boast such a wide array of attacking weapons. Once again, Colombia’s World Cup success could hinge on their offensive production.

Although much of the squad were not present in 2014, there is a significant level of experience available to call upon. Nine players who started Colombia’s last World Cup match, a penalty defeat to England in 2018, were selected in Lorenzo’s preliminary 55-man squad. Tournament nous is abundant, and big game familiarity has produced impressive results in recent times. Germany, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina have all been defeated since 2023. Recent defeats to France and Croatia may be discouraging, but the overarching theme suggests a team that is well-prepared for elite opponents in the World Cup’s latter stages.

Concern may surround a defence that conceded 18 goals in qualifying. However, veterans David Ospina, Davinson Sánchez and Jefferson Lerma form a spine boasting 270 caps combined. Those numbers stem from an aggressive system designed to create transitions and maximise attacking output. Lorenzo served as assistant to José Péckerman in Brazil and appears to have carried over his attacking, forward-thinking principles. Yet, only the hosts scored more than once against Péckerman’s team, and emulating that security could decide whether Lorenzo can replicate their accomplishments.

Group K appears to be a favourable draw. Although Portugal are favourites to progress, the relatively inexperienced DR Congo and Uzbekistan are not expected to rival Colombia for second. With the potential first-place decider against Portugal scheduled as the final group game, Colombia have a chance to exceed expectations early. Opportunity is there. Capitalising on it will define Colombia’s summer. This is a team riding a wave of momentum, with attacking resources most teams would envy, and an ideal balance of exuberance and seniority. Even if Lorenzo’s side are unable to match the quarter-final finish 12 years ago, they have genuine potential to recreate the magic of that side and entertain the world once again.