Reborn in Brazil: the new impulse that returned Carlos Cuesta to the National Team
Carlos Cuesta is back in the Colombia National Team. The defender, who was a key player during the 2024 Copa América, is once again called up by Néstor Lorenzo for the friendlies of the new FIFA Date against New Zealand and Australia, after several months off the radar.
During the continental tournament held in Brazil, Cuesta started five games due to the injury suffered by Jhon Lucumí, including the final against Argentina, in which Colombia lost by the narrowest margin. His last appearances with the Tricolor They had been in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, when he was a substitute against Brazil and a starter against Paraguay.
From Galatasaray to Vasco da Gama: a necessary change
After the Copa América, Cuesta lived difficult months in Europe. At Galatasaray in Türkiye he lost continuity and prominence, playing only nine official games in the season: five as a starter and four coming off the bench. That lack of minutes relegated him both in his club and in the national team.
Looking to regain its competitive rhythm, the defender decided to change course and on August 27, 2025, he was announced as a new player for Vasco da Gama, one of the historic players in Brazilian football. Since his arrival at the Rio de Janeiro team, Cuesta quickly established himself, accumulating 13 games as a starter and becoming a defensive pillar of the team.
Cuesta’s performance in Brazil did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff by Néstor Lorenzo, who once again included him on the squad list. Regarding his return, the Argentine coach highlighted the importance of the center back and his knowledge of the group:
“Carlitos played the entire Copa América, so he is a player who already knows us, whom we know a lot and is also competing. Yerry Mina returns, Ditta has done very well when it was his turn, so we have alternatives and possibilities there. Let’s see how they evolve ahead of the World Cup,” said Lorenzo.
The coach valued the Antioquian’s present and his ability to adapt to different competitive contexts, also highlighting the importance of having variants in defense in the face of the approaching calendar.
The reasons for his return to the Colombian National Team
He regained ownership and trust.
In Vasco da Gama he found the regularity that he had lost in Türkiye. With continuity and support from the Brazilian coaching staff, Cuesta once again showed solidity and leadership at the back.
He fit into a style more favorable to his game.
Brazilian football, with greater pace, clean starts and physical duels, better adapts to its characteristics. This environment has allowed him to rediscover his best version.
Mental and collective evolution.
The renewed confidence and work with a competitive squad—which includes fellow Colombian Andrés Gómez—strengthened his level and his ability to communicate on the field.
Continuity and international projection.
His performances in Brazil not only put him back on Lorenzo’s radar, but once again position him as a solid defensive option heading into the upcoming World Championship.
A timely return
The return of Carlos Cuesta comes at a key moment for the National Team. Néstor Lorenzo seeks to reinforce the defensive solidity and maintain the base of the group that played in the Copa América. The Antioquian central defender, with his experience and recent consistency, once again dresses in yellow with compelling arguments.
When does Colombia play on the November FIFA date?
The first friendly will be on Saturday, November 15 against New Zealand on Saturday, November 15, at Chase Stadium in Florida at 7:00 p.m.
They will close their schedule on Tuesday the 18th against Australia at 8 p.m. at Citi Field in New York.
