Colombia arrives in Guadalajara for World Cup amid fervent fan welcome

The Colombian national soccer team has arrived in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup, met by a vibrant display of support from their passionate fanbase. Arriving late Wednesday night, the team was welcomed with cumbia music, the Colombian flag, and enthusiastic chants from dozens of supporters gathered outside their hotel.

Fans, adorned in team colors and waving flags, waited for hours to catch a glimpse of their heroes. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of the Colombian national anthem and songs that had the crowd dancing and singing. Cheers of "¡ Colombia, Colombia, Colombia!" erupted as the team bus approached, reaching a crescendo as players disembarked.

Young fans eagerly sought autographs, holding up their World Cup sticker albums. Among the most sought-after players were forward Luis Díaz and goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who has a connection to Guadalajara as he plays for the local team, Atlas. The hotel staff also contributed to the festive welcome, decorating the premises with a large flag and balloons, accompanied by mariachi music.

The mariachi band members shared that the players were approachable, pausing to listen and even donning charro hats to sing along. This marks Colombia's seventh World Cup appearance, following their absence in Qatar 2022. The team is set to begin their Group K campaign on June 17 against Uzbekistan in Mexico City, followed by matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Guadalajara on June 23, and Portugal in Miami.