Colombia intensifies preparations ahead of World Cup debut against Uzbekistan

Colombia's national football team is stepping up its training regimen in Guadalajara, Mexico, as they gear up for their World Cup opener against Uzbekistan on Wednesday. The match will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Recent training sessions have seen a shift in media access. While Tuesday's practice was open for nearly two hours, Friday's session at the Atlas club's sports center was limited to just a few minutes for the press. The team began with strength training in the gym before moving to the field for drills focused on passing, speed, and close-quarters coordination.

Goalkeepers Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, and Álvaro Montero worked with 19-year-old Mexican-American goalkeeper Cruz Martínez, who was provided by the local Atlas club. Atlas has offered several young players from their academy to serve as sparring partners, with more expected to join the Colombian squad's training in the coming days.

Saturday's session will be closed to the media, as coach Néstor Lorenzo is expected to finalize the starting lineup for the Uzbekistan match. Colombia will remain in Guadalajara until June 15 before traveling to Mexico City. They are drawn in Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal.