Néstor Lorenzo shares insights ahead of Colombia's World Cup debut

Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo expressed satisfaction with his team's performance following a 2-0 victory over Jordan in their final friendly match before the 2026 World Cup. The match served as a crucial test before their tournament debut against Uzbekistan.

Addressing tactical concerns, Lorenzo emphasized that the key to his setup lies not just in assembling skilled players, but in distributing them effectively across the pitch. He warned that if creative players crowd the same spaces, the team becomes susceptible to opponent pressure. The coach highlighted the versatility of James Rodríguez, noting his ability to influence the game from various positions.

Any of the 26 players on the squad can appear in the starting lineup at any moment. They are all high-quality players. Néstor Lorenzo

Lorenzo also specifically addressed the performance of Gustavo Puerta, who has emerged as a topic of discussion among supporters. The manager confirmed he has been tracking Puerta since his time with the U-20 side. Furthermore, he eased concerns regarding Luis Díaz, whose health became a talking point after the forward suffered a few falls during the match, confirming he is doing well.

Reflecting on the match development, Lorenzo noted that while Colombia controlled the game well, the team still needs to improve their finishing in the final third. Colombia is now set to face Uzbekistan on June 17 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for their first match of the tournament.