Colombia's U-19 squad has been bolstered with eight players from 'paisa' teams for the 2026 Central American Games. Head coach César Torres called up talents from Atlético Nacional, Independiente Medellín, Envigado, and Águilas Doradas to represent the country in Santo Domingo from July 24 to August 8.
Who are the 'paisa' players in the squad?
Torres included four players from Atlético Nacional: Simón García, Cristian Uribe, Jesús David Chinchía, and Juan José Rosa. Independiente Medellín contributed Jaidinson Córdoba and Deimer Estiven Longas, while Envigado and Águilas Doradas rounded out the list with Miguel Ángel Marulanda and Tomás Blandón. The Colombian Football Federation confirmed the group will train in Barranquilla until July 26 before traveling to the Dominican Republic for the tournament.
The technical staff will focus on technical, tactical, and physical sessions to solidify the team's playing model. Colombia's last result was a 3-0 win over Australia on November 19, 2025, and the team has won three of its last four matches, including two straight victories.
Why does this call-up matter for Colombian football?
The inclusion of players from local teams strengthens the link between Antioquia's football and the national side. Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín are historic youth academies, and their contribution in youth categories highlights the pipeline feeding the senior team. The tournament also serves as a showcase for prospects who could break into higher-level processes.
Colombia's group-stage opponents are Panama, Cuba, and Costa Rica, with key matches on July 30 (vs. Panama at 3:00 p.m.) and August 1 (vs. Cuba at 6:00 p.m.). Both games will be played at Estadio Moca 85 in the Dominican Republic.
What's next for the U-19 side?
After training in Barranquilla, the squad will head to Santo Domingo for the tournament from July 24 to August 8. The draw set the men's competition to begin on July 30, the day after the women's tournament kicks off. Colombia aims to build on its strong recent form - three wins and one draw in the last four matches - with a young squad eager to prove itself on the big stage.
