The Colombia national football team (), nicknamed Los Cafeteros, represents Colombia in men's international football and is managed by the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol (), the governing body for football in Colombia. They are a member of CONMEBOL and are ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings as of April 2025. The team are nicknamed Los Cafeteros due to the coffee production in the country. The national team has been a symbol of nationalism, pride and passion for many Colombians worldwide. Colombia is known for having a passionate fan base, and the team's dances during goal celebrations have been symbolic.
The Colombian team has participated in six FIFA World Cups: 1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014 and 2018. It has also qualified for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
In the 2014 edition held in Brazil, the team achieved its best World Cup performance, reaching the quarter-finals and placing fifth in the final standings. Its greatest international achievement is winning the Copa América in 2001 as hosts, during which the team set a record by winning every match without conceding a single goal. Colombia also finished runner-up in 1975 and 2024 and finished third five times: in 1987, 1993, 1995, 2016, and 2021.
Furthermore, the team managed to make outstanding appearances at the continental level, obtaining from the Central American and Caribbean Games the gold and bronze medals in 1946 and 1938 respectively,
The development of football in Colombia has long been the subject of scholarly debate. Most historians agree that the Caribbean Region served as the primary point of entry for the sport, which is widely believed to have been introduced around 1900 by English railway engineers employed by The Colombia Railways Company.
The Colombian Football Federation was founded in 1924 under the name Liga de Fútbol and became affiliated with FIFA and CONMEBOL in 1936. Colombia played its first international match on 17 February 1926 against Costa Rica at the Estadio Moderno Julio Torres in Barranquilla, winning 4âÂÂ1 with a side competing under the name Selección Atlántico. In 1937, Colombia formed a national team to compete in the Juegos del IV Centenario de Cali, contesting four international matches at the newly inaugurated Estadio OlÃÂmpico Pascual Guerrero against Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Cuba. Despite being affiliated with FIFA, Colombia withdrew from the 1938 FIFA World Cup in France, instead participating in the 1938 Central American and Caribbean Games. During this period, the national team was composed predominantly of players from Club Juventud Bogotana (now Millonarios), reflecting the clubâÂÂs central role in the early development of the national side.
Colombia made its debut in the South American Championship at the 1945 edition, marking the nationâÂÂs first participation in continental competition. At the time, Colombian football lacked a professional league and a unified national selection process, so the squad was drawn primarily from Junior de Barranquilla, one of the strongest amateur clubs in the Caribbean region. This decision reflected both practical constraints and a strategy to field an organized, experienced group rather than assembling players from multiple regions. Roberto Meléndez served as playerâÂÂmanager, combining leadership on the field with coaching responsibilities, which was typical in early Colombian football due to the limited availability of formal coaching structures. The team faced established South American powers such as Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile, achieving mixed results with notable victories and draws against regional rivals like Ecuador and Bolivia. The dominance of Junior players highlighted the fragmented nature of Colombian football governance, in which regional associations often supplied entire squads for national representation. Participation in the tournament exposed Colombian players to higher competitive standards and helped the federation identify areas for structural improvement. The campaign illustrated the challenges of institutional development, including limited resources, regional rivalries, and the absence of a nationwide professional league. Despite these obstacles, the experience established ColombiaâÂÂs presence on the continental stage and contributed to the nationâÂÂs growing football identity. Under MeléndezâÂÂs dual leadership, the 1945 Championship symbolised both the ambitions and the organisational potential of Colombian football during the mid-20th century.
Though Colombia withdrew from the 1946 South American Championship, later that year the national team secured its first major international title by winning the football tournament at the 1946 Central American and Caribbean Games held in Barranquilla, Colombia. Competing in a single roundâÂÂrobin format, Colombia played six matches against regional opponents after Cuba and Mexico withdrew from the football competition before it began, and finished undefeated with 12 points, scoring 20 goals and conceding only seven across the tournament. The team opened the campaign with a 4âÂÂ2 victory over Curaçao and followed up with wins against Venezuela, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Panama, demonstrating consistent offensive strength throughout the event. The football side was led by Peruvian manager José Arana Cruz, who guided Colombia through all six fixtures, marking an early instance of foreign technical leadership in the national teamâÂÂs history. Arana CruzâÂÂs tenure in 1946 coincided with the nationâÂÂs most successful run in an international competition up to that point, at a time when ColombiaâÂÂs domestic football infrastructure and international participation were still developing.
Following their debut at the 1945 South American Championship, ColombiaâÂÂs presence on the international stage became sporadic in the immediate post-war period. Although the national federation gained affiliation with FIFA in 1936, the team withdrew from several editions of the Copa América between 1947 and 1957, reflecting ongoing administrative instability and the broader social and economic challenges affecting the country during the mid-20th century.
Colombia returned to the continental championship at the 1957 South American Championship in Peru, marking the national teamâÂÂs re-entry into South American international competition after an extended absence. Prior to 1957, Colombia had participated only sporadically in the tournament, having made their debut at the 1945 edition but withdrawing from several subsequent editions due to administrative instability within the Colombian Football Federation and broader social and economic challenges that affected football development in the country. Despite finishing near the bottom of the standings, participation in the 1957 championship allowed the Colombian federation to re-establish the team at the continental level, providing players with international experience and laying the groundwork for professionalization and stabilization of football in Colombia, which later contributed to the team's qualification for the 1962 FIFA World Cup.
This gradual reintegration culminated in ColombiaâÂÂs qualification for the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, their first appearance at the finals since their international debut. Coached by EfraÃÂn Sánchez, who also served as team captain, Colombia competed in Group 1 alongside Uruguay, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia. Despite finishing bottom of the group, Colombia produced one of the most iconic moments in their football history in their match against the Soviet Union. Trailing 4âÂÂ1, midfielder Marcosâ¯Coll scored directly from a corner kick in what remains the only "gol olÃÂmpico" (goal scored directly from a corner) in FIFA World Cup history, beating legendary goalkeeper Levâ¯Yashin in the process. The tournament represented a symbolic turning point, reaffirming ColombiaâÂÂs place within global football and setting the stage for more consistent international engagement in the decades that followed.
Following their debut at the 1962 FIFA World Cup, Colombia endured a prolonged period of limited success in international competition. After withdrawing from both editions of the 1959 South American Championship held in Argentina and Ecuador, the team returned to continental competition at the 1963 South American Championship in Bolivia, where they finished last with one draw and five defeats.
In qualification for the 1966 FIFA World Cup, Colombia was grouped with Ecuador and Chile, but finished bottom of the section with two points, recording a solitary 2âÂÂ0 home victory over Chile. The following year, Colombia again faced Chile in qualification for the 1967 South American Championship, but were eliminated after a 5âÂÂ2 defeat in Santiago and a scoreless draw in Bogotá.
Colombia next entered qualification for the 1970 FIFA World Cup, drawn into Group 2 alongside Brazil, Paraguay, and Venezuela. Despite competitive performances, the team finished third with one win, one draw, and four losses, missing out on qualification. In preparation for the campaign, Colombia hosted the England national team in a pre-World Cup friendly that ended in a 4âÂÂ0 defeat. The match was overshadowed by the widely publicized Bogotá Bracelet incident involving England captain Bobby Moore, which generated significant international attention.
Colombia achieved its most significant international result of the era at the 1975 Copa América. Drawn into Group C with Paraguay and Ecuador, the team won all four matches to advance to the semifinals against Uruguay. A 3âÂÂ0 home victory and a 1âÂÂ0 away defeat were sufficient to secure progression on aggregate, sending Colombia to the Copa América final for the first time in its history. In the final, Colombia faced Peru in a three-match series. After each team won its home fixture, the championship was decided by a playoff match held at a neutral venue in Caracas. Peru prevailed 1âÂÂ0, denying Colombia its first continental title.
Prior to the 1980s, the Colombia national team was widely regarded as a struggling side, constrained by limited investment from the Colombian Football Federation, inconsistent international participation, and the broader social and political instability affecting the country. Periods of national crisis, including La Violencia and the rise of organized crime, hindered the development of football infrastructure and delayed the emergence of a sustained footballing culture. Although Colombia had qualified for Chile 1962, the national team largely failed to build on that achievement, earning a reputation as perennial underachievers in international competition.
In the early 1980s, Colombia sought to re-establish itself competitively under Argentine manager Carlos Bilardo. The team entered the 1982 World Cup qualifiers with renewed ambition but failed to secure qualification for the finals, and subsequently exited in the first round of the 1983 Copa América, underscoring the persistent gap between promise and results.
Colombia showed tangible progress during qualification for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Drawn into Group 1 alongside Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela, the campaign began with a notable 1âÂÂ0 victory over Peru, courtesy of Miguel Prince. Despite suffering defeats to Argentina both at home and away, Colombia recovered with draws and victories against Venezuela to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs against Paraguay. A 3âÂÂ0 defeat in Asunción proved decisive, and although Colombia won the return leg 2âÂÂ1, they were eliminated 4âÂÂ2 on aggregate, narrowly missing qualification.
At the 1987 Copa América, Colombia were drawn into Group C with Bolivia and Paraguay. The team advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced Chile. Colombia briefly took the lead in extra time through a 103rd-minute penalty by Bernardo RedÃÂn, but Chile responded with two late goals to eliminate Colombia in dramatic fashion. Colombia would go on to win the third-place match against Argentina.
South American qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup saw the confederation allocated three-and-a-half places. With Argentina qualifying automatically as reigning champions, the remaining teams were divided into three groups. Colombia emerged as one of the group winners but were required to contest the CONMEBOLâÂÂOFC play-off against Oceania representatives Israel, who had finished ahead of Australia and New Zealand. Colombia prevailed 1âÂÂ0 on aggregate over two legs, securing qualification for their first FIFA World Cup since 1962 and marking the definitive emergence of a new generation on the international stage.
At the 1990 World Cup, Colombia was drawn with Yugoslavia, alongside United Arab Emirates and powerhouse West Germany. Colombia faced the United Arab Emirates at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna, winning 2âÂÂ0 with goals from Bernardo RedÃÂn and Carlos Valderrama to achieve Colombia's first-ever World Cup finals win. Despite losing the second game against Yugoslavia 1âÂÂ0, Colombia advanced to the round of 16 after a historic 1âÂÂ1 draw with eventual champions West Germany, where Freddy Rincón equalized in the 93rd minute after West Germany's initial goal five minutes earlier.
Colombia finished the group stage in third place, advancing as the second-best third-placed team. They were eliminated in the round of 16 by Cameroon with a 2âÂÂ1 defeat in extra time, after a mistake from Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita.
Shortly after the tournament, Francisco Maturana left his post as manager. He was replaced by Luis Augusto GarcÃÂa, who led the team in the 1991 Copa América and interim matches. Maturana returned in 1993 to guide Colombia through the successful 1994 World Cup qualifying campaign.
With Valderrama as captain, Colombia reached the semifinals of the 1993 Copa América, losing to Argentina on penalties and finishing third after a 2âÂÂ1 victory over Ecuador.
Colombia finished first in their 1994 World Cup qualifying group, remaining unbeaten, which included a historic 5âÂÂ0 victory against Argentina at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Before the 1994 World Cup, expectations were high. Colombia was drawn in Group A with hosts United States, Romania, and Switzerland. They earned one win over Switzerland, but losses to Romania (3âÂÂ1) and the United States (2âÂÂ1, with an own goal by Andrés Escobar) led to elimination in the group stage.
Hernán DarÃÂo Gómez (El Bolillo) replaced Maturana in 1995. Under his management, Colombia finished third at the 1995 Copa América after defeating the United States 4âÂÂ1. Two years later, at the 1997 Copa América, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by hosts Bolivia.
Colombia qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup by finishing third in the qualifiers with 28 points. They were drawn in Group G with Tunisia, England, and Romania. After a 1âÂÂ0 defeat to Romania and a 1âÂÂ0 win over Tunisia, Colombia were eliminated by England (2âÂÂ0), with a young David Beckham scoring his first international goal via a free kick.
In the 1999 Copa América, Colombia won all their group-stage matches but were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 3âÂÂ2 loss to Chile.
In 2000, Colombia participated in their first CONCACAF Gold Cup, defeating Jamaica 1âÂÂ0, losing 2âÂÂ0 to Honduras, and eliminating hosts United States 2âÂÂ1 on penalties. They beat Peru 2âÂÂ1 in the semi-finals and lost 2âÂÂ0 to Canada in the final.
Colombia hosted the 2001 tournament, which faced last-minute cancellations and withdrawals due to security concerns. They opened with wins over Venezuela (2âÂÂ0), Ecuador (1âÂÂ0), and Chile (2âÂÂ0). Colombia then eliminated Peru and Honduras in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, and defeated Mexico 1âÂÂ0 in the final with a goal from captain Iván Córdoba. The team did not concede a single goal and earned the fair play award; goalkeeper ÃÂscar Córdoba was named best goalkeeper.
Colombia failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, finishing sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers.
At the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, Colombia lost 1âÂÂ0 to hosts France, then beat New Zealand and Japan to reach the semi-finals, losing 1âÂÂ0 to Cameroon and finishing fourth against Turkey.
In the 2004 tournament, Colombia lost to Argentina in the semi-finals, finishing fourth. At the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, they beat Mexico in the quarter-finals but lost to Panama in the semi-finals.
Colombia narrowly missed the 2006 World Cup by one point. At the 2007 tournament, they finished third in their group with one win, including a 5âÂÂ0 loss to Paraguay.
The decade ended with a poor 2010 qualifying campaign, as constant formation changes and managerial instability, including the replacement of Pinto by Eduardo Lara after a 4âÂÂ0 loss to Chile in September 2008, contributed to Colombia failing to qualify.
In the 2011 Copa América, Colombia topped their group but were eliminated 2âÂÂ0 by Peru in the quarter-finals. The team ended the year ranked 36th in FIFA, up from 54th earlier in the year.
After hiring José Pékerman in January 2012, Colombia achieved a second-place finish in the FIFA World Cup qualification CONMEBOL stage with 30 points, qualifying for the 2014 World Cup for the first time since 1998. The team conceded only 12 goals, the second-best defensive record behind Argentina.
Without injured Radamel Falcao, Colombia opened the 2014 World Cup with a 3âÂÂ0 win over Greece, followed by a 2âÂÂ1 victory over Ivory Coast to top Group C. They defeated Uruguay 2âÂÂ0 in the round of 16, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, before losing 2âÂÂ1 to hosts Brazil. James RodrÃÂguez won the Golden Boot and later the Puskás Award for his goal against Uruguay.
At the 2015 Copa América, Colombia won only against Brazil in the group stage, however, they still managed progress, being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Argentina on penalties. In the 2016 Copa América Centenario, they beat United States 2âÂÂ0 and Paraguay 2âÂÂ1 to reach the quarter-finals, lost to Costa Rica, then advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Peru on penalties. They finished third by beating hosts United States.
Colombia finished fourth in CONMEBOL to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. They lost 2âÂÂ1 to Japan, then beat Poland 3âÂÂ0 and Senegal 1âÂÂ0 to top Group H. In the round of 16, Colombia drew 1âÂÂ1 with England and were eliminated 4âÂÂ3 on penalties.
Following the federation's choice to not renew Pekerman's contract, former Iran manager Carlos Queiroz was hired to coach the national team.
Starting off their 2019 Copa América campaign, Colombia defeated Argentina 2âÂÂ0, marking their first victory over the La Albiceleste since 2007. Days later, they faced Qatar and won 1âÂÂ0 to advance to the next round. They finished the group stage with a 1âÂÂ0 victory over Paraguay, ending with nine points, four goals scored, and none conceded. Colombia also became the only team since the 2001 edition to advance out of the group stage with a 100% record. Despite this, Colombia were eliminated by Chile in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.
Colombia opened the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with victories over Venezuela and Chile. However, following the resumption of matches after the COVID-19 pandemic, the team's form deteriorated, culminating in their heaviest home defeat in 82 years against Uruguay and a 6âÂÂ1 loss to Ecuador. The downturn brought an end to Carlos Queiroz's tenure in December 2020. On 14 January 2021, the Colombian Football Federation announced the return of Reinaldo Rueda as head coach.
In the 2021 Copa América, Colombia won their opening match against Ecuador, then drew 0âÂÂ0 with Venezuela. They lost 2âÂÂ1 to Peru in their third match. Next, Colombia lost to Brazil but progressed to the quarter-finals and then to the semi-finals after defeating Uruguay on penalties following a 0âÂÂ0 draw. In the semi-finals, Colombia drew 1âÂÂ1 with Argentina before losing on penalties. Colombia defeated Peru 3âÂÂ2 in the third-place match, with Luis DÃÂaz scoring twice, making him the top scorer alongside Lionel Messi.
After the Copa América, Colombia resumed World Cup qualification. The team went seven matches without scoring, but defeated Venezuela 1âÂÂ0 in their final match. Results elsewhere left Colombia in sixth place, missing out on the World Cup. Rueda left shortly after.
On 2 June 2022, the Colombian Football Federation appointed Néstor Lorenzo as head coach for a four-year term.
On 28 February 2023, the federation launched "Futbol con Futuro" (Football with a Future), a project supported by FIFA covering 2022âÂÂ2025, aiming to reinforce all national teamsâ structures and achieve success on the pitch.
Under Lorenzo, Colombia compiled a 28-match unbeaten run leading up to the 2024 Copa América final, which they lost to Argentina in extra time on 14 July 2024. This run included victories over Germany, Brazil, and Spain.
In September 2025, Colombia qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their seventh World Cup appearance, after finishing third in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Colombia's main regional football rival has long been neighbouring Venezuela. Although Colombia has historically dominated headâÂÂtoâÂÂhead meetingsâÂÂwith more wins, goals and overall victoriesâÂÂthe rivalry has seen notable moments that reflect the improving quality of Venezuelan football since the late 1990s, when the sport began to overtake baseball in popularity in Venezuela. One of the most significant upsets occurred in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, when Venezuela defeated Colombia 1âÂÂ0 in Barranquilla, a result widely regarded as a watershed moment for the Vinotinto.
During the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, Colombia again asserted its superiority over Venezuela, first winning 1âÂÂ0 in the early stages of the closing campaign, and later securing a decisive 6âÂÂ3 victory in MaturÃÂn that extinguished VenezuelaâÂÂs hopes of reaching the intercontinental playoff, effectively eliminating them from contention for their first ever World Cup finals.
The rivalry between Colombia and the Argentina is rooted in a long competitive history and significant matches, often drawing substantial attention in South America. Argentina holds the overall edge in headâÂÂtoâÂÂhead meetings, but Colombia has registered several memorable results.
One of the most iconic matches in the rivalry took place on 5 September 1993, when Colombia defeated Argentina 5âÂÂ0 in Buenos Aires during the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, marking ArgentinaâÂÂs first home defeat in a World Cup qualifying match at the Estadio Monumental. Colombia also beat Argentina 3âÂÂ0 in the group stage of the 1999 Copa América, a game remembered for Argentine striker MartÃÂn Palermo missing three penalties.
At the 2021 Copa América, Argentina and Colombia met in the semiâÂÂfinal in BrasÃÂlia. After a 1âÂÂ1 draw in regular time, the contest went to a penalty shootout, which Argentina won 3âÂÂ2 to advance to the final. The shootout included a widelyâÂÂreported flurry of âÂÂgamesmanshipâ and taunting. Emiliano MartÃÂnez was heard attempting to distract ColombiaâÂÂs takers before their kicks, and after Yerry MinaâÂÂs penalty was saved, Lionel Messi â who had played alongside Mina at FC Barcelona â was caught on camera shouting âÂÂábailá ahora!â (âÂÂDance now!âÂÂ) in MinaâÂÂs direction, a clear reference to MinaâÂÂs exuberant celebration after scoring in ColombiaâÂÂs previous shootout win over Uruguay earlier in the tournament.
In the 2024 Copa América final, Argentina defeated Colombia 1âÂÂ0 after extra time to win the championship, with Lautaro MartÃÂnez scoring the decisive goal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Following the match, Argentine players were widely reported to have sung and chanted references to âÂÂEl Ritmo Que Nos Uneâ â a song associated with ColombiaâÂÂs 2024 campaign â during their trophy celebrations, an incident that drew significant media coverage and reaction from fans of both teams.
In Juneâ¯2025, during a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the sides played out a 1âÂÂ1 draw. During the match, a tense onâÂÂfield exchange occurred between Argentine captain Lionel Messi and Colombian captain James RodrÃÂguez after a stoppage in play. Messi confronted RodrÃÂguez about comments he had made earlier in the year regarding the 2024 Copa América final, in which Argentina beat Colombia 1âÂÂ0, accusing him of saying that the referees had helped Argentina in that match and saying âÂÂyou talk too muchâÂÂ, to which RodrÃÂguez replied that he âÂÂdidnâÂÂt say anythingâÂÂ. The confrontation highlighted lingering tensions from that tournament, as RodrÃÂguez had publicly suggested that external factors, including refereeing decisions, played a role in ArgentinaâÂÂs victory in the final.
Despite these intense moments, the ColombiaâÂÂArgentina rivalry is often described in media and commentary as one based on competitive respect between two of South AmericaâÂÂs most prominent footballing nations, with each meeting adding new layers to their shared history on the pitch.
Colombia plays their qualifying matches and friendlies at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, which is the home stadium of the local football team Atlético Junior. The stadium is named after former Colombia national team player Roberto Meléndez, who is widely considered to be Colombia's best player during Colombia's amateur era in the 1930s and 1940s. The stadium was used for all of Colombia's successful World Cup qualifying campaigns since 1990.
The Estadio Nemesio Camacho El CampÃÂn in the capital city of Bogotá acts as the national team's alternative stadium. The stadium is the playing ground of local clubs Millonarios and Santa Fe, and hosted Colombia's 2001 Copa América final win against Mexico.
Traditionally, Colombia's home colours are yellow shirts with navy trim and navy or white shorts and socks, with their away colours being normally navy shirts. They wore their first ever red kit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Colombia used red as their home colours in the 20th century, although in Copa América Centenario the team played in an all-white kit for the first time in their history, before reverting to the yellow and navy kit thereafter.
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
The following 26 players were named in the squad for the friendly matches on 26 and 29 March 2026 against Croatia and France, respectively. <br>Caps and goals updated as of 29 March 2026, after the match against France.
The following players have also been called up in the last twelve months.
<sup>INJ</sup> Withdrew due to injury<br /> <sup>PRE</sup> Preliminary squad<br /> <sup>RET</sup> Retired from the national team<br /> <sup>SUS</sup> Suspended
Champions Runners-up Third place Fourth place
Below is a result summary of all matches Colombia have played against FIFA recognized teams.