Key moments
On March 26, 2026, Croatia will face Colombia for the first time in a highly anticipated international friendly match at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The match is set to kick off at 11:30 PM GMT, with both teams looking to showcase their strengths ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Colombia enters this match with an impressive record, having not lost in over a year. They qualified for the 2026 World Cup by securing 14 wins out of 18 qualifying matches, suffering only four defeats. During this campaign, Colombia scored a total of 28 goals, just three shy of Argentina, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Their last official match saw them net six goals against Australia, further solidifying their attacking prowess.
In contrast, Croatia also boasts a strong recent performance, having won seven of their last eight international matches. The Croatian national team has a rich history in World Cup competitions, securing podium finishes in their last two appearances. Key players such as Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic are expected to play crucial roles in the match, with Modric potentially reaching his 195th international appearance if he takes the field.
Colombia’s predicted lineup includes Vargas, Arias, Sanchez, Lucumi, Cabal, Lerma, Rios, Quintero, Rodriguez, Diaz, and Suarez. Meanwhile, Croatia’s expected starters are Letica, Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Stanisic, Modric, Moro, Pasalic, Vlasic, Perisic, and Budimir. Notably, Josko Gvardiol will be absent from the Croatian squad due to injury, which may impact their defensive strategy.
As the teams prepare for this historic encounter, analysts predict a competitive match. One prediction suggests a close scoreline, with Colombia potentially edging out Croatia with a 2-1 victory. This forecast aligns with Colombia’s unbeaten streak in their last nine matches, indicating their current form and confidence heading into the game.
In the broader context, Colombia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup marks a significant turnaround after missing out on the 2022 edition. Their resurgence in international football has been marked by a strong qualifying campaign and a series of impressive performances. Croatia, on the other hand, aims to maintain their status as a formidable team on the world stage.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both teams will perform. The outcome of this friendly could provide valuable insights into their preparations for the World Cup. Official statements from both teams are expected as the date draws nearer, but for now, the anticipation continues to build.
