🇨🇴 Colombia

Lorenzo sets Colombia in a 4-2-3-1 with Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos as a disciplined double pivot, shielding the defence while allowing James Rodríguez to roam freely as the ten. Luis Díaz operates from the left, cutting inside onto his right foot. The team presses high in organised blocks, looks to win the ball in the middle third, and then attacks quickly through Díaz's direct running and James's incisive passing.

Watch Luis Díaz first — the Bayern Munich winger's explosive dribbling and relentless pressing make him Colombia's most dangerous weapon, capable of undoing any full-back in the world. James Rodríguez, now at Minnesota United after his European odyssey, remains the team's creative heartbeat when fit, threading passes that nobody else in the squad can conceive. Daniel Muñoz at Crystal Palace has emerged as one of South America's most dynamic right-backs, combining defensive discipline with genuine attacking thrust down the flank.

Luis Díaz's ability to beat defenders one-on-one at pace is a genuine match-winning asset at the highest level. The double pivot of Lerma and Ríos gives Colombia real defensive solidity in midfield. Muñoz's overlapping runs from right-back create consistent overloads and provide an additional creative outlet in wide areas.

James Rodríguez at 34 and playing in MLS raises serious questions about whether he can sustain the physical demands of a World Cup tournament. Colombia's central striking options — Jhon Córdoba at Krasnodar and Cucho Hernández — lack the elite finishing consistency the team needs when Díaz's creativity alone isn't enough to unlock defences.