As Colombia gears up for the 2026 World Cup, they are preparing for several friendly matches while other nations are working to secure their spots in the tournament. With James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz leading the team, Colombia aims to make a strong impression in upcoming international events.
In a recent friendly match against Mexico, Rodriguez demonstrated his skills by providing an assist to John Lucumi for the first goal, while Diaz scored the third goal, contributing to a solid win for Colombia. This match emphasized the team’s control over the North American side.
Rodriguez and Diaz have significantly strengthened Colombia‘s roster, and coach Nestor Lorenzo sees them as key players for the national team. After their successful run in the 2024 Copa America, where they reached the finals, Colombia is more focused on the upcoming World Cup than ever.
With Canada hosting part of the upcoming tournament, Colombia is eager to see Rodriguez and Diaz in action during their upcoming match against Canada. This game is crucial for both teams as they prepare for intense competition in the World Cup.
Are James and Diaz playing for Colombia vs. Canada today?
Reports indicate that James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz are expected to play against Canada today, with no injuries or issues reported from their last match. The two are likely to feature in the starting lineup alongside some newer faces.
Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, who previously played for Columbus Crew in the MLS, may also be part of the starting team against Canada. His strong performance at Real Betis in Spain, where he has scored nine goals in 23 matches since last season, has increased his profile.
Predicted starting lineup for Colombia vs. Canada
Colombia will likely include players who’ve recently performed well at their clubs, like Luis Javier Suarez from Sporting FC and Juan Fernando Quintero of River Plate.
Expected starting XI for Colombia:
Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier
Defenders: Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica
Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, Juanfer Quintero, James Rodriguez
Forwards: Luis Diaz; Luis Suarez