Verdict: Colombia win
Finest Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their closing World Cup preparations underway within the early hours of Friday, Colombia will welcome Costa Rica to the Estadio El Campin.
Colombia
Beginning with the hosts, getting 2026 underway with consecutive pleasant defeats in opposition to Croatia and France, Colombia shall be desperately looking for some much-welcomed momentum earlier than they jet off to North America for this summer time’s World Cup. However, regardless of being hit with back-to-back losses for the primary time since March 2025, La Tricolor did acquire loads of plaudits throughout their qualifying journey final 12 months. Signing off their South American qualifying marketing campaign with an action-packed 6-3 victory in opposition to Venezuela, Friday’s hosts ultimately breezed their strategy to a bronze medal end. With their sights firmly set on punching a World Cup knockout stage ticket this summer time, Nestor Lorenzo’s facet will get their North American journey underway on June 18th once they meet Uzbekistan.
Colombia Workforce Information
Whereas skipper James Rodriguez may as soon as once more be looking for a brand new membership after mutually agreeing to depart MLS outfit Minnesota this month, the previous Actual Madrid celebrity has been included in Colombia’s squad. Likewise, having fun with a outstanding maiden marketing campaign within the Bundesliga and topped home champions with Bayern Munich, ex-Liverpool ace Luis Diaz will play a number one position within the closing third.
The Crystal Palace duo of Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma have been included in Colombia’s squad, as has former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. One-time Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez ought to begin on the coronary heart of Lorenzo’s defence.
Costa Rica
As for the guests, ultimately falling brief final 12 months as they have been heartbroken to have missed out on their very own respective World Cup ticket, Costa Rica discover themselves on the coronary heart of an prolonged rut. Final seen throughout March’s worldwide break placing in a nightmare efficiency as they have been hit with a 5-0 drumming in opposition to Iran, Fernando Batista’s facet look set for what’s one other monumental problem once they journey to the Estadio El Campin on Friday. Actually, getting 2026 underway with an exhilarating 2-2 stalemate in opposition to Jordan, Los Ticos have remarkably claimed only a single win from any of their earlier 10 consecutive appearances throughout all fronts – a rut that stems again to June 2025.
Costa Rica Workforce Information
With Batista seeking to get showing to get a brand new period underway this month, Costa Rica have handed out a string of maiden call-ups. The likes of Bayron Mora Christopher Moya, Shawn Johnson, Doryan Rodriguez and Orlando Sinclair have been included for a primary time.
Registering 4 direct purpose contributions in as many MLS appearances over the previous few weeks (three targets, one help), Nashville striker Warren Madrigal could possibly be handed the possibility to steer the road right here. Taking part in his home soccer with Portuguese outfit Casa Pia, Patrick Sequeira ought to maintain his spot between the sticks.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Key Elements to Think about
When Colombia and Costa Rica final met again in June 2024, Friday’s hosts cruised their strategy to a routine 3-0 Copa America victory.
Actually, Colombia have received seven of their eight historic showdowns in opposition to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica have claimed only a single win from any of their earlier 10 consecutive appearances throughout all fronts – a rut that stems again to June 2025.
Los Ticos have shipped seven targets of their first two appearances of 2026.
Bayern Munich celebrity Luis Diaz has registered 29 direct purpose contributions in his 32 Bundesliga appearances this season (15 targets, 14 assists).
Conclusion
Getting 2026 underway with consecutive pleasant defeats, Colombia shall be desperately looking for a much-welcomed enhance right here. However, cruising their strategy to a routine 3-0 victory once they final met Costa Rica for a Copa America showdown again in June 2024, Friday’s hosts do maintain a dominant historic document. Actually, profitable seven of their eight conferences, Colombia shall be assured of claiming some splendid pre-World Cup momentum on the Estadio El Campin.
Verdict: Colombia win
Finest Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Luckster


























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