Colombia’s Yellow Card Crisis: Will Lerma, Lucumí, Mójica Start vs. Portugal?
Colombia’s World Cup 2026 campaign faces an immediate tactical dilemma: three key defenders—Yerry Mina, Yeremy Candelo, and Luis Díaz—are all at risk of missing their Group D opener against Portugal on June 27 due to yellow card accumulations. With manager Néstor Lorenzo already fielding a squad weakened by injuries, the decision over whether to rest or risk suspension for players like Juan Cuadrado, David Ospina, or even Luis Díaz could define Colombia’s chances against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Why This Matters: Colombia’s Slim Squad Depth vs. Portugal’s Firepower
Colombia entered the tournament with just 23 players, a roster already strained by absences. The yellow card situation—three players with two warnings each—means any additional caution could see them sit out the opener at
