Landover, Maryland – Eight years after a memorable comeback victory in Saint-Denis, the Colombian national team faces France in an international friendly this Sunday. Much like in 2018, Los Cafeteros will challenge one of the favorites to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup just months before the tournament begins. The match, a key test for Néstor Lorenzo’s squad, will be played at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Colombia enters the match following a 1-2 defeat to Croatia in their first fixture of this international window. Despite an early goal from Jhon Arias, the team couldn’t hold the lead. France, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 victory over Brazil. This sets the stage for a compelling clash between two nations preparing for the expanded 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
A Final Evaluation Before the World Cup Roster is Set?
FIFA recently confirmed that national team coaches must submit their final 26-player World Cup rosters by May 30th. With the deadline rapidly approaching, Sunday’s match against France takes on added significance. It represents a potentially final opportunity for Néstor Lorenzo to assess his options and finalize his squad selections. Following this encounter, Colombia will play a farewell match against Costa Rica on May 29th in Bogotá, but at that point, most decisions will likely be made.
Colombia and France Renew Rivalry Ahead of a World Cup
The most recent meeting between Colombia and France occurred in March 2018, just months before France would go on to win the World Cup in Russia. In that match, Colombia overcame a two-goal deficit with goals from Luis Muriel, Radamel Falcao, and Juan Fernando Quintero to secure a stunning 3-2 victory at the Stade de France.
The Colombian starting XI that day featured David Ospina; Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Frank Fabra; Matheus Uribe, Carlos Sánchez, Abel Aguilar, James Rodríguez; Luis Fernando Muriel, and Radamel Falcao. That result remains a high point for Colombian football and a reminder of their ability to compete with the world’s best.
This Sunday’s match will be the sixth encounter between the two nations. Historically, France holds the advantage, having won three of the five previous matches. Colombia has secured two victories, a 3-1 win in 1993 and the aforementioned 3-2 triumph in Saint-Denis.
Confirmed Colombia Lineup
Néstor Lorenzo has announced two changes to the starting lineup from the match against Croatia: Álvaro Montero will replace Camilo Vargas in goal, and Juan David Cabal will start in place of Jhon Lucumí.
Confirmed Starting XI: Álvaro Montero, Daniel Muñoz, Dávinson Sánchez, Juan David Cabal, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz; Luis Suárez.
The presence of James Rodríguez, a key figure in the Colombian attack, will be closely watched. His form and fitness will be crucial to Colombia’s chances at the World Cup. Similarly, the partnership between Luis Díaz and Luis Suárez up front will be a focal point for both Colombia and France.
For France, this match provides an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations and assess their own squad depth. They will undoubtedly be looking to avenge their defeat in 2018 and send a statement of intent ahead of the World Cup. The match is expected to be a tactical battle, with both teams likely to prioritize defensive solidity and quick transitions.
Colombia’s recent history against European opposition is noteworthy. According to reports, Colombia has maintained an impressive 15-year unbeaten streak against European teams, adding to the intrigue surrounding this fixture. This record will be put to the test against a formidable French side.
The match in Landover, Maryland, kicks off at 2:00 p.m. (Colombian time) on Sunday, March 29th. It marks the end of this international window for the Colombian national team, and the results will undoubtedly shape Néstor Lorenzo’s final decisions as he prepares for the challenges ahead at the World Cup.
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