Colombia announces 2026 FIFA World Cup squad as Kevin Mier misses out despite Cruz Azul title

Colombia unveiled its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier omitted from the final roster.

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@FCFSeleccionCol

Colombia officially announced its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and one of the biggest surprises was the omission of Kevin Mier, the goalkeeper who recently helped Cruz Azul win the Liga MX Clausura 2026 title.

Head coach Néstor Lorenzo revealed the final 26-man roster on Monday ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The squad will be led by star playmakers James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz.

Mier’s absence drew immediate attention after his strong performances during Cruz Azul’s championship run. However, the goalkeeper spent several months sidelined following a tibia fracture suffered in late 2025, and despite returning for the Liga MX playoffs, he was ultimately left out of Colombia’s final squad.

Instead, Lorenzo selected veteran goalkeepers David Ospina, Camilo Vargas and Álvaro Montero for the World Cup.

“I want to thank every player who was part of this process,” Lorenzo said during his press conference in Bogotá. “Also those who were not selected but helped keep the national team competitive.”

Alongside James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, Colombia’s roster includes established names such as Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Yerry Mina, Daniel Muñoz, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos and Jhon Córdoba.

Colombia will compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. The South American side opens its World Cup campaign on June 17 at Estadio Azteca against Uzbekistan before facing Portugal in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

Goalkeepers: Álvaro Montero (Vélez Sarsfield-ARG), David Ospina (Atlético Nacional) y Camilo Vargas (Atlas-MEX).

Defenses: Santiago Arias (Independiente-ARG), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul-MEX), Jhon Lucumí (Bologna-ITA), Deiver Machado (Nantes-FRA), Yerry Mina (Cagliari-ITA), Johan Mojica (Mallorca-ESP), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace-GBR) y Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray-TUR).

Midfielders: Jhon Arias (Palmeiras-BRA), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central-ARG), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo-BRA), Kevin Castaño (River Plate-ARG), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace-GBR), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense-BRA), Gustavo Puerta (Racing-ESP), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate-ARG), James Rodríguez (Minnesota United-USA) y Richard Ríos (Benfica-POR).

Forwards: Jhon Córdoba (Krasnodar-RUS), Carlos Andrés Gómez (Vasco Da Gama-BRA), Juan Camilo Hernández (Real Betis-ESP), Luis Suárez (Sporting-POR), y Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich-GER).