Colombia opens its November friendly doubleheader with a match against New Zealand on Saturday night at Chase Stadium. Credit: FCF – Public Domain.
Colombia opens its November friendly doubleheader with a match against New Zealand on Saturday night as coach Nestor Lorenzo continues to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Colombian time at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The game is the first of two warmups for the Tricolor; Colombia meets Australia on Nov. 18. Lorenzo has said the November fixtures are a final opportunity to sharpen systems, evaluate players, and build the case to be seeded in Pot 1 for the Dec. 5 World Cup draw in Washington.
Colombia arrives at this friendly after a 0-0 draw with Canada on Oct. 14 in New Jersey and on the back of a 4-0 win over Mexico and convincing qualifying victories that included a 6-3 win over Venezuela and a 3-0 victory against Bolivia. The squad’s recent results also include a 1-1 draw with Argentina in June.
New Zealand, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, comes with mixed form. The All Whites drew 1-1 with Norway on Oct. 14 but have suffered defeats to Poland, Australia, and Ukraine and have not won since a 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast on June 7.
Colombia’s lineup to face New Zealand in Ft. Lauderdale
Lorenzo indicated he would use the friendlies both to keep core players match-sharp and to “filter” candidates for his final World Cup roster. Based on local reports and the coach’s signals, Colombia is likely to field a side close to its preferred starting XI with one notable uncertainty at center forward.
The starters for Colombia will be Alvaro Montero; a back four of Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Carlos Cuesta, and Alvaro Angulo, a midfield of Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta, James Rodriguez, and Jhon Arias; and Luis Diaz on the left wing. The lone striker role will be taken upon by Jhon Cordoba.
Lorenzo’s bench features experienced options and players pushing for spots on the final roster: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica, Kevin Castaño, Jorge Carrascal, Yaser Asprilla, Rafael Santos Borre, Luis Suarez, Johan Carbonero, and Carlos Andres Gómez.
Colombia will be looking to close the year with a convincing performance to support its bid for a top seeding, while New Zealand will aim to test itself against a strong South American side as it prepares for next summer’s expanded tournament.
