Colombia Needs Joy, and the National Team Aims to Deliver It at the World Cup, Says Coach Lorenzo

Colombian national team coach Néstor Lorenzo believes the country is in need of joy and that his squad aims to deliver it during the 2026 World Cup. "Colombia is joy, it needs a reason to smile, and the national team wants to play well for that; it will not be easy, but we take into account the identity of the Colombian and we have tried to respect it," Lorenzo stated at a press conference.

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Colombia is joy, it needs a reason to smile, and the national team wants to play well for that; it will not be easy, but we take into account the identity of the Colombian and we have tried to respect it.

Lorenzo, an Argentine who was part of the 1990 World Cup finalist squad, cautioned against complacency, despite Colombia being considered favorites. He emphasized that the gap in football quality between nations has narrowed significantly, a trend consistently observed in World Cups. "You cannot underestimate anyone. Uzbekistan is a great team, with a great coach and several quality players. They play with three defenders or five in a low block, two wing-backs, and a forward who plays well with his back to goal. They counter-attack well, they know what they play, and they have good set pieces," he explained.

The coach also reflected on the significance of debuting in the 2026 World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. He recalled the legendary performances of Diego Maradona and Pelé at the stadium, expressing emotion at the prospect of leading Colombia's World Cup debut there. "It's a mythical stadium; it's emotional to step on that grass and know that the best Pelé and the best Maradona were there. In 1986, I was in the youth teams and I experienced it up close; I was small when Pelé, a monster, was there," he remembered.

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You cannot underestimate anyone. Uzbekistan is a great team, with a great coach and several quality players. They play with three defenders or five in a low block, two wing-backs, and a forward who plays well with his back to goal. They counter-attack well, they know what they play, and they have good set pieces.

Lorenzo expressed optimism regarding his squad's fitness, particularly noting the improved physical condition of midfielder James Rodríguez. He sees Rodríguez, along with Bayern Munich star Luis Díaz, as key figures in the team's attack. "James is doing well, he has had great physical improvement, and with his talent, he can provide clarity without running so much," Lorenzo revealed. He also praised Díaz's maturity in handling the pressure of leading the national team, describing him as a player who cannot resist the temptation of having a ball at his feet.

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It's a mythical stadium; it's emotional to step on that grass and know that the best Pelé and the best Maradona were there. In 1986, I was in the youth teams and I experienced it up close; I was small when Pelé, a monster, was there.

The coach also addressed the team's preparation for playing at Mexico City's high altitude, approximately 2,240 meters above sea level. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well despite the challenging conditions. Regarding FIFA's hydration breaks, implemented during matches when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, Lorenzo suggested they can be helpful but noted that extended breaks for advertising could alter their intended benefit.

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James is doing well, he has had great physical improvement, and with his talent, he can provide clarity without running so much.