100 days before the World Cup: Lorenzo and what’s coming for Colombia

It was not a promise, but it was a statement that set the tone. Nestor Lorenzo made it clear that the Colombian National Team is for “make it to the last day of the World Cup.” It is not a minor phrase nor an overflowing optimism of a fan in the street: it is a public position of the coach who assumes the context that surrounds the Tricolor one hundred days before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Colombia will arrive at the World Cup after being absent from Qatar 2022 with a history that raises the demands. Lorenzo qualified third in the Qualifiers with 28 points, one less than Ecuador and ten below Argentina, in addition to having been runner-up in the Copa América 2024. This competitive journey is obligatory and the Argentine coach is no stranger to those demands that he has publicly placed on himself.

The debut will be on June 17 against Uzbekistan in Mexico City in Group K, and the closing of the group stage will have a special component: Portugal, on June 27 in Miami. The initial objective is to surpass what was done in Brazil 2014, when the team reached the quarterfinals.

Before that, March will be decisive. Colombia will face Croatia on Thursday the 26th in Orlando and France on Sunday the 29th, two highly demanding tests to fine-tune details and outline the final list. Lorenzo was clear: “A player does not join the National Team and play in a World Cup in one go.” The process has weight and those who have been inside start with an advantage, although the door is not closed. Internal competition will be key in several positions.

In this context, figure management will be decisive. Lorenzo must enhance Luis Díaz’s great moment at Bayern Munich, where the winger is going through a stage of high offensive productivity and 100% confidence, and at the same time manage the case of James Rodrígueznow in the MLS, looking for him to arrive competitive and in rhythm. The team will be led by both, and their imbalance can make the difference in a short tournament.

Names under evaluation also appear. The case of Falcao It was a topic of conversation after versions that spoke of an alleged promise. The DT was forceful: there are no promises. “I love Falcao, I adore him, I hope he is competing and competes with those who are in his position for a position… I never make a promise to anyone,” he explained on Caracol Radio. Regarding Jhon Durán, today at Zenit in Russia, he noted that he hopes he reaches his best level to “make us think.”

Colombia arrives at the World Cup with favorable numbers, a consolidated base and the declared ambition to compete until the end. One hundred days after the start, Lorenzo has already set the goal: Make it to the last day. And although you don’t like to make promises, you will now have to work to meet the expectations you set with your words.