La selección Colombia remains in the spotlight after their elimination at the 2026 World Cup. On Wednesday, July 15, president-elect Abelardo De La Espriella hosted two key figures from the national team - Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Yerry Mina - at his home in Barranquilla. The meeting, filled with jokes and gestures, included a signed jersey as a keepsake and reinforced the message that sport will be a top priority in the incoming government.
What happened at the meeting?
A video shared by De La Espriella showed Cuadrado and Mina chatting with the president-elect, his family, and staff. The players gifted a signed Colombia national team jersey, a detail the president called a symbol of the pride athletes take in representing the country. La Tricolor ended the 2026 World Cup with a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland, closing a campaign that included key wins like the 3-0 over Australia on November 19, 2025.
The president-elect thanked the players and stressed the importance of figures like Cuadrado and Mina for younger generations. On social media, De La Espriella posted photos of the meeting and repeated his slogan: “¡Firme por el deporte y Firme por la Patria!”. The message underscored that sport will be a vital tool for transforming lives and creating opportunities nationwide.
Why does this meeting matter?
The gesture from Cuadrado and Mina goes beyond symbolism. It reflects the link between sport and national identity, especially after a World Cup exit that has the country rethinking its football future. La Tricolor has three wins, one draw, and one loss in its last five games, with a two-game winning streak keeping hope alive for a resurgence.
De La Espriella, known for his ties to sport, used the meeting to restate his commitment. “Two great figures of Colombian sport visited today. Thank you for carrying Colombia’s name with pride,” he said. The signed jersey became proof of the encounter, but the real takeaway may be the message: sport as a driver of social change.
What’s next for the national team?
With the 2026 World Cup now in the past, focus shifts to rebuilding. Players like Cuadrado and Mina, with international tournament experience, could be central to the transition. La Tricolor’s last result was a 3-0 win over Australia on November 19, 2025, a match that marked the start of a decisive phase in the process.
The president-elect made it clear his administration will strengthen sport from the ground up. “Younger generations need role models like you: discipline, perseverance, and love for Colombia,” he told the players. The brief meeting left a ripple of hope in Colombian football, which, despite the exit, remains a beacon of national inspiration.
