Colombia continues its generational shift this Friday, October 2, with a friendly match against Paraguay in the United States. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Colombia time at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.
Manager Néstor Lorenzo will lead a team missing several key regulars. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, full-back Johan Mojica, midfielder Jefferson Lerma and star forward Luis Díaz are all being rested for this fixture. In their place, Lorenzo will test Kevin Mier in goal and a defence featuring Daniel Muñoz, Jhon Lucumí, Dávinson Sánchez and Samuel Velásquez.
Lorenzo aims to fix mistakes
The coach reviewed the 1-1 draw with Mexico last week, where Luis Javier Suárez scored Colombia's goal. "We made mistakes that are correctable," Lorenzo said. "The team's attitude was good and the debut of the boys who came on was promising. We think there is a future."
Their recent form is strong, with two wins and a draw in their last three competitive matches. Their next official match is on October 6 against Peru in Miami, an opponent they failed to beat in their last meeting, a 0-0 draw in June 2025.
Paraguay, managed by Gustavo Alfaro, comes off a 2-0 win over Bolivia with goals from Miguel Almirón. The last meeting between these sides was a thrilling 2-2 draw in Barranquilla in March 2025 during South American qualifiers. Alfaro predicted an intense match: "I watched the Colombia-Mexico game, it looked like a World Cup match, it was played with a lot of intensity (...) I have no doubt that the Colombia and Paraguay match will be just as intense."
The match will be broadcast live on Caracol TV and RCN in Colombia, and streamed via YouTube, Ditu, and the Canal RCN app. Colombia's likely lineup includes Matías Orozco, Jhon Solís, Jhon Arias, Yáser Asprilla, Kevin Viveros and Carlos Andrés Gómez in midfield and attack. For full squad details and player fitness updates, visit our squad section.
Kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the U.S., during the October 2026 FIFA international window.
Background and full detail: marca.com
