Luis Diaz stars as Colombia beats Costa Rica 3-1 in World Cup warm-up
Synopsis
With the World Cup just days away, Colombia sent a statement at El Campín — a polished 3-1 win built on Luis Díaz's creativity, a Davinson Sánchez header, and a Luis Suárez thunderbolt set up by James Rodríguez. Coach Lorenzo admits work remains, but the pieces are falling into place fast.
Key Takeaways
Colombia defeated Costa Rica 3-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up at El Campín Stadium, Bogotá on 2 June .
Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) scored one goal and provided a corner-kick assist for Davinson Sánchez's opener.
Luis Suárez (Sporting Lisbon) sealed the win 10 minutes from time with a powerful finish off a James Rodríguez pass.
Andrey Soto scored a consolation header for Costa Rica in the 33rd minute .
Colombia plays its final warm-up against Jordan in San Diego on 7 June before opening vs Uzbekistan on 17 June .
Costa Rica will not feature in the 2026 World Cup , having been eliminated in CONCACAF qualifying behind Honduras and Haiti.
Colombia marked another step in its FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a commanding 3-1 win over Costa Rica in an international friendly at El Campín Stadium in Bogotá on Tuesday, 2 June. The result underlined Colombia's readiness ahead of a tournament that kicks off on 11 June, with Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz delivering the standout individual display of the evening.
How the Goals Fell
Colombia drew first blood through defender Davinson Sánchez, who powered home a header from a Díaz corner kick to give the hosts an early lead. The advantage was swiftly doubled when Díaz combined with Jorge Carrascal before finishing calmly from close range, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the visitors.
Costa Rica pulled one back in the 33rd minute when Andrey Soto headed home from a Josimar Alcocer assist, briefly reigniting hopes of a comeback before halftime. However, Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suárez put the result beyond doubt 10 minutes from full-time, latching onto a long ball from veteran playmaker James Rodríguez and drilling a powerful effort into the far corner to seal the 3-1 scoreline.
What the Coach Said
Colombia head coach Lorenzo acknowledged room for improvement while expressing confidence in the squad's trajectory. 'This was a good test, even though we didn't have the full group with us until yesterday,' he said after the match. 'We have a lot of things to improve, but as the days go by, by spending time together and getting all of the players physically up to speed, I am confident that we will be in very good shape for the World Cup,' he added.
Colombia's Road to the World Cup
The South American side will play one final warm-up fixture against Jordan in San Diego on 7 June before turning attention to the group stage. Colombia opens its World Cup 2026 campaign against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on 17 June, followed by matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal as it bids to advance to the knockout rounds.
Costa Rica's Contrasting Situation
The result carries no World Cup implications for Costa Rica, which will not feature in the 2026 tournament. The CONCACAF nation was eliminated during the qualifying stages after finishing behind Honduras and Haiti, making Tuesday's friendly a development exercise rather than tournament preparation.
Point of View
But conceding from a set piece in the 33rd minute exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Portugal and Congo will study carefully. Díaz's form is the headline, but the more telling signal is James Rodríguez still threading incisive passes at the highest level; if he stays fit, Colombia's midfield has a dimension most Group opponents cannot match. Coach Lorenzo's candid admission that the squad was not fully assembled until the eve of the match also raises a fitness-management question with the opener just 15 days away.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Colombia vs Costa Rica on 2 June 2026?
Colombia beat Costa Rica 3-1 in an international friendly at El Campín Stadium in Bogotá on 2 June 2026. The match was part of Colombia's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Who scored for Colombia against Costa Rica?
Davinson Sánchez opened the scoring with a header from a Luis Díaz corner, Díaz then added a second goal, and Luis Suárez completed the win with a powerful strike 10 minutes from full-time. James Rodríguez provided the assist for Suárez's goal.
When does Colombia play their first FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
Colombia opens their 2026 World Cup group stage campaign against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on 17 June. They will also face the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal in the group stage.
Why is Costa Rica not in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Costa Rica was eliminated during the CONCACAF qualifying stages, finishing behind Honduras and Haiti and failing to secure one of the region's berths for the 2026 tournament.
What is Colombia's final warm-up match before the World Cup?
Colombia will play Jordan in San Diego on 7 June 2026 in their last pre-tournament friendly before the World Cup begins on 11 June.
