When Carlos Valderrama speaks, Colombia listens. He isn’t just a former player; he’s a true icon, a footballing legend who led his country’s main national team. His stature as a footballer and leader makes his words carry a lot of weight.
Recently, the famous former midfielder stepped into the public eye with a bold declaration. He expressed total confidence in Colombia’s national team and the work done by coach Néstor Lorenzo. “Colombia is ready for the 2026 World Cup final,” Valderrama stated.
He quickly made sure no one thought this was extra pressure on players like Richard Ríos and their teammates. Valderrama explained his words. “It’s not an exaggeration,” he said. “You know I’ve always been serious and I stand by what I say. It’s not pressure… Our time has come.”
This kind of bold belief isn’t just hype. The South American squad recently finished their 2026 World Cup qualification in third place. They gathered 28 points, putting them right behind Argentina, who had 38, and Ecuador, with 29. The team currently holds the 13th spot in the FIFA rankings. Their best showing in a World Cup came in 2014. They reached the quarter-finals that year, eventually losing 0-2 to host Brazil.