Colombia may be the most enjoyable team in world football right now. Los Cafeteros reached the 2024 Copa América final, and Luis Díaz dances through defences at Liverpool like a man at the Barranquilla carnival. Néstor Lorenzo has built a squad that plays with joy, intensity and real team spirit. Richard Ríos brings creativity from Palmeiras to the midfield, and Jhon Arias adds flair from Fluminense.
Lorenzo's side sits around 12th in the FIFA ranking.
Why Colombia are worth watching
Díaz is the main reason. His dribbling, pace and goals make him one of the most dangerous wingers in the world. The Copa América final showed that Lorenzo's team can compete with the best in South America.
Around him are two players on the rise. Ríos has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in South American football, with wide passing range and vision. Arias brings Brazilian league experience, direct attacking play and set-piece delivery that keeps defences busy. Beneath it all sits a football culture where players compete with passion and a team spirit that lifts everybody.
Colombia play the game the way many people wish it were played, with flair and pleasure. The squad is still improving. If Díaz brings his Liverpool form to the World Cup, Los Cafeteros could dance their way into the quarter-finals and perhaps beyond.
Tomorrow: number 11.
