Colombia to host 'fan zones' for 2026 World Cup in five cities and Miami

Colombians are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with an exciting new initiative from the Colombian Football Federation. The introduction of 'fan zones' across five major cities—Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga—along with a special zone in Miami, promises to bring the World Cup experience closer to fans who cannot attend in person.

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Not everyone has the opportunity to go and be physically present at the World Cup, and that's why we are looking for Colombians to experience the national team in a different way.

These fan zones are designed to be more than just viewing areas; they will be vibrant hubs of celebration, complete with giant screens, live music, family-friendly activities, and appearances by former national team players. The federation's president, Ramón Jesurún, emphasized that the goal is to allow Colombians to experience the national team in a different, more immersive way, acknowledging that not everyone has the chance to be at the matches physically.

A particularly innovative aspect of this initiative is the collaboration with renowned Colombian artist Carlos Vives to create official team chants. This move aims to foster a unique musical identity for the national team, moving away from generic or imported chants. Vives explained that the project merges the universal language of football chants with distinct Colombian rhythms and sounds, adapting his popular songs into anthems for the fans. This focus on local culture and music resonates deeply with the Colombian spirit, offering a sense of pride and distinctiveness that international coverage might overlook.

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Let's start creating chants that are Colombian icons. There is nothing more Colombian than the music of Carlos Vives.

The federation's commitment extends beyond the men's national team, with plans to implement similar initiatives for women's teams and other sports. This holistic approach underscores a broader effort to unite the nation through sport and music, creating lasting traditions and a stronger sense of national identity. The 'fan zones' and new chants are not just about the 2026 World Cup; they represent a long-term vision for fostering national pride and a unified fan culture.

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Stadium chants already have a universal language, and (the idea) was to apply that language to our songs, our themes, our rhythms, and join that movement of chants.