Colombia national team coach Néstor Lorenzo said the squad aims to compete until the final day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This ambition signals a shift in expectations for the Colombian side, moving from merely qualifying to targeting a deep run in the tournament's knockout stages. The statement arrives as the team enters the final stages of preparation for the global event.
Speaking in Colombia approximately 15 days [1] before the tournament begins, Lorenzo said the players are ready. He said that Colombia is positioned to reach the end of the competition, a goal that would represent a historic achievement for the nation.
"Colombia está para llegar hasta el último día del Mundial," Lorenzo said.
A key component of this strategy involves the fitness of veteran midfielder James Rodríguez. Despite questions regarding his current form and health, the coach said he remains optimistic about the player's role in the upcoming matches.
"Confío en que James Rodríguez llegará en condiciones al Mundial," Lorenzo said.
The coach linked the team's current preparation to a broader ambition of achieving a legacy-defining result on the world stage. He said that the technical staff is focused on ensuring the squad can maintain high performance levels throughout the duration of the tournament.
"Nuestro objetivo es llegar a la fase histórica que nos merecemos en el Mundial 2026," Lorenzo said.
Lorenzo's comments reflect a belief that the current roster possesses the tactical discipline and talent required to challenge the top-seeded teams. By setting the bar at the final day, the coaching staff is attempting to instill a high-pressure, high-reward mindset within the locker room before the opening whistle.
“Colombia está para llegar hasta el último día del Mundial.”
By publicly targeting the final stages of the 2026 World Cup, Lorenzo is transitioning Colombia from an underdog narrative to a contender status. The specific mention of James Rodríguez suggests that the team's ceiling is closely tied to the veteran's ability to provide creative leadership, making his fitness a critical variable for their success.
