James Rodríguez Included Despite MLS Struggles as Colombia Names Squad for Croatia, France Friendlies
Néstor Lorenzo backs captain amid club woes, squad 'practically defined' for World Cup 2026
# James Rodríguez Included Despite MLS Struggles as Colombia Names Squad for Croatia, France Friendlies
**Néstor Lorenzo backs captain amid club woes, squad "practically defined" for World Cup 2026**
March 24, 2026 — Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo has made a decisive call by including captain James Rodríguez in his 26-player squad for crucial March friendlies against Croatia and France, despite the midfielder's struggles at club level in Major League Soccer. The Colombian Football Federation announced the roster on Thursday, March 19, confirming Lorenzo's faith in his veteran playmaker.
The selection sends a clear message: James remains central to Colombia's World Cup plans regardless of recent club form. After departing Mexico's Club León, James returned to MLS but has struggled to find consistency with his new team. Lorenzo's decision to call him up anyway speaks to the midfielder's irreplaceable role in Los Cafeteros' system.
"Despite those struggles, Colombia's head coach Nestor Lorenzo has made a decisive call by including Rodriguez in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Croatia and France," reported World Soccer Talk.
## Lorenzo's Squad "Practically Defined"
Recent reports from Colombian media suggest Lorenzo has "practically defined" his starting XI for the World Cup, with the March friendlies serving more as fine-tuning than experimentation. The squad announced for the Croatia and France matches features the core group that has sustained Colombia through a remarkable four-year run under Lorenzo's management.
"Néstor Lorenzo tiene prácticamente definido el equipo titular para el Mundial de 2026," reported Colombian outlet Vanguardia. "En esta ocasión, una vez más Lorenzo echó mano de los jugadores que han sostenido a la Selección en los últimos cuatro años."
This continuity reflects Lorenzo's coaching philosophy—building chemistry and understanding through consistent selection rather than constant rotation. The approach has paid dividends, with Colombia compiling an extraordinary unbeaten run that lasted 28 matches leading up to the 2024 Copa América final.
## The Unbeaten Streak and Copa América Heartbreak
Under Lorenzo, Colombia compiled a remarkable 28-match unbeaten run that included victories over Germany, Brazil, and Spain—results that signaled Los Cafeteros' return to elite status. The streak ended in heartbreak with a Copa América final loss to Argentina in extra time on July 14, 2024, but the performance throughout the tournament confirmed Colombia's quality.
That unbeaten run and Copa América success directly translated into World Cup qualification. In September 2025, Colombia officially secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through CONMEBOL qualifying—a campaign defined by defensive discipline and clinical finishing.
## James Rodríguez: The Cristiano Connection
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo has been monitoring James's situation with interest, according to recent reports. The connection stems from their time together at Real Madrid, where both players enjoyed peak years before departing for different destinations.
James's club struggles contrast sharply with his international form. For Colombia, he remains the creative heartbeat—the player who unlocks defenses with vision and technique that few can match. Lorenzo's continued selection suggests the coach values tournament experience and big-game mentality over recent club statistics.
## Croatia and France: Elite Tests
Colombia's March friendlies pit them against two European powerhouses with contrasting styles. The matches are scheduled for March 26 against Croatia and March 29 against France, both taking place in the United States.
Croatia, the 2022 World Cup semifinalists and recent bronze medalists, bring tactical sophistication and resilience. Their midfield remains world-class, and their ability to control tempo makes them dangerous opponents for any team.
France, perennial title contenders, possess individual brilliance across every position. Testing Colombia's defensive organization against Kylian Mbappé and company will provide valuable data on whether Los Cafeteros can compete with the tournament's elite.
## Group K Challenge
Colombia faces a challenging World Cup draw in Group K, though specific opponents weren't detailed in available reports. The team's strong CONMEBOL qualifying campaign suggests they're prepared for difficult opposition, having regularly faced South American giants Brazil and Argentina during qualification.
Lorenzo's tactical approach emphasizes defensive solidity and transition speed—Colombia soaks up pressure, then strikes quickly when opponents commit forward. This counter-attacking style proved devastatingly effective against European teams like Germany and Spain during Colombia's unbeaten streak.
## The Road to Redemption
For Colombia, the 2026 World Cup represents an opportunity to erase memories of recent disappointments. The Copa América final loss to Argentina still stings, serving as motivation rather than discouragement.
James Rodríguez's inclusion, despite club struggles, underscores the importance of experience in tournament football. His 2014 World Cup Golden Boot performance in Brazil remains etched in Colombian football history—a reminder of what he's capable of when the stakes are highest.
Lorenzo's near-complete starting XI suggests confidence in his core group. The upcoming friendlies against Croatia and France will test whether that confidence is justified, providing a final World Cup-level examination before the tournament begins.
## Looking Ahead
As Colombia prepares to face two European powerhouses, expectations are calibrated but optimistic. Lorenzo has built a team that competes with anyone, that doesn't fear big names or hostile crowds. The 28-match unbeaten run proved Colombia belongs among the world's elite.
James Rodríguez's inclusion symbolizes Colombia's blend of experience and ambition. The veteran captain brings tournament savvy and creative genius that younger players can't replicate. Whether his club form proves irrelevant or problematic will be answered in the coming months.
For now, Colombia marches forward with confidence—a team that knows its identity, trusts its manager, and believes it can compete for the ultimate prize. The friendlies against Croatia and France will show the world whether that belief is justified.
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*Colombia faces Croatia on March 26 and France on March 29 in World Cup warm-up friendlies. Both matches will be played in the United States.*
**Néstor Lorenzo backs captain amid club woes, squad "practically defined" for World Cup 2026**
March 24, 2026 — Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo has made a decisive call by including captain James Rodríguez in his 26-player squad for crucial March friendlies against Croatia and France, despite the midfielder's struggles at club level in Major League Soccer. The Colombian Football Federation announced the roster on Thursday, March 19, confirming Lorenzo's faith in his veteran playmaker.
The selection sends a clear message: James remains central to Colombia's World Cup plans regardless of recent club form. After departing Mexico's Club León, James returned to MLS but has struggled to find consistency with his new team. Lorenzo's decision to call him up anyway speaks to the midfielder's irreplaceable role in Los Cafeteros' system.
"Despite those struggles, Colombia's head coach Nestor Lorenzo has made a decisive call by including Rodriguez in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Croatia and France," reported World Soccer Talk.
## Lorenzo's Squad "Practically Defined"
Recent reports from Colombian media suggest Lorenzo has "practically defined" his starting XI for the World Cup, with the March friendlies serving more as fine-tuning than experimentation. The squad announced for the Croatia and France matches features the core group that has sustained Colombia through a remarkable four-year run under Lorenzo's management.
"Néstor Lorenzo tiene prácticamente definido el equipo titular para el Mundial de 2026," reported Colombian outlet Vanguardia. "En esta ocasión, una vez más Lorenzo echó mano de los jugadores que han sostenido a la Selección en los últimos cuatro años."
This continuity reflects Lorenzo's coaching philosophy—building chemistry and understanding through consistent selection rather than constant rotation. The approach has paid dividends, with Colombia compiling an extraordinary unbeaten run that lasted 28 matches leading up to the 2024 Copa América final.
## The Unbeaten Streak and Copa América Heartbreak
Under Lorenzo, Colombia compiled a remarkable 28-match unbeaten run that included victories over Germany, Brazil, and Spain—results that signaled Los Cafeteros' return to elite status. The streak ended in heartbreak with a Copa América final loss to Argentina in extra time on July 14, 2024, but the performance throughout the tournament confirmed Colombia's quality.
That unbeaten run and Copa América success directly translated into World Cup qualification. In September 2025, Colombia officially secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through CONMEBOL qualifying—a campaign defined by defensive discipline and clinical finishing.
## James Rodríguez: The Cristiano Connection
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo has been monitoring James's situation with interest, according to recent reports. The connection stems from their time together at Real Madrid, where both players enjoyed peak years before departing for different destinations.
James's club struggles contrast sharply with his international form. For Colombia, he remains the creative heartbeat—the player who unlocks defenses with vision and technique that few can match. Lorenzo's continued selection suggests the coach values tournament experience and big-game mentality over recent club statistics.
## Croatia and France: Elite Tests
Colombia's March friendlies pit them against two European powerhouses with contrasting styles. The matches are scheduled for March 26 against Croatia and March 29 against France, both taking place in the United States.
Croatia, the 2022 World Cup semifinalists and recent bronze medalists, bring tactical sophistication and resilience. Their midfield remains world-class, and their ability to control tempo makes them dangerous opponents for any team.
France, perennial title contenders, possess individual brilliance across every position. Testing Colombia's defensive organization against Kylian Mbappé and company will provide valuable data on whether Los Cafeteros can compete with the tournament's elite.
## Group K Challenge
Colombia faces a challenging World Cup draw in Group K, though specific opponents weren't detailed in available reports. The team's strong CONMEBOL qualifying campaign suggests they're prepared for difficult opposition, having regularly faced South American giants Brazil and Argentina during qualification.
Lorenzo's tactical approach emphasizes defensive solidity and transition speed—Colombia soaks up pressure, then strikes quickly when opponents commit forward. This counter-attacking style proved devastatingly effective against European teams like Germany and Spain during Colombia's unbeaten streak.
## The Road to Redemption
For Colombia, the 2026 World Cup represents an opportunity to erase memories of recent disappointments. The Copa América final loss to Argentina still stings, serving as motivation rather than discouragement.
James Rodríguez's inclusion, despite club struggles, underscores the importance of experience in tournament football. His 2014 World Cup Golden Boot performance in Brazil remains etched in Colombian football history—a reminder of what he's capable of when the stakes are highest.
Lorenzo's near-complete starting XI suggests confidence in his core group. The upcoming friendlies against Croatia and France will test whether that confidence is justified, providing a final World Cup-level examination before the tournament begins.
## Looking Ahead
As Colombia prepares to face two European powerhouses, expectations are calibrated but optimistic. Lorenzo has built a team that competes with anyone, that doesn't fear big names or hostile crowds. The 28-match unbeaten run proved Colombia belongs among the world's elite.
James Rodríguez's inclusion symbolizes Colombia's blend of experience and ambition. The veteran captain brings tournament savvy and creative genius that younger players can't replicate. Whether his club form proves irrelevant or problematic will be answered in the coming months.
For now, Colombia marches forward with confidence—a team that knows its identity, trusts its manager, and believes it can compete for the ultimate prize. The friendlies against Croatia and France will show the world whether that belief is justified.
---
*Colombia faces Croatia on March 26 and France on March 29 in World Cup warm-up friendlies. Both matches will be played in the United States.*