Has Colombia Benched Their 26-Year-Old Midfielder on the Road to the 2026 World Cup?
Just a year ago, Richard Ríos appeared to be one of the most important pieces of Colombia's midfield. His energy, ball-carrying ability, and defensive work rate helped him become a regular starter for the national team and one of the first names on the team sheet. However, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, questions are emerging about whether the Benfica midfielder has lost his place in the starting lineup. The strongest evidence came during Colombia's recent victory over Uzbekistan. While the national team secured an important result, Ríos was forced to watch much of the match from the bench, entering only as a substitute. Instead, much of the attention in midfield centered around Gustavo Puerta, whose performance continued to strengthen his case for a starting role.
Puerta's rise has been one of the more encouraging developments for Colombia in recent months. The young midfielder has brought composure, tactical discipline, and consistent defensive contributions whenever given opportunities. Against Uzbekistan, he once again looked comfortable controlling the tempo of the match and helping Colombia maintain balance in midfield. Colombia's transition monster is seen as a revelation for the Colombian national team, and some of the fans and analysts see him as a modern version of James Rodriguez due to having the creative abilities similar to the Colombian captain, but he is a more complete player with defensive qualities that modern midfielders need.
For Rios, the midfield enforcer, the situation has become more complicated due to his recent form with the national team. While he remains a talented player capable of impacting games with his athleticism and ability to move the ball forward, his performances have not reached the same level that initially made him a fixture in the lineup. There have been moments where his decision-making in possession has come under scrutiny, and his influence on matches has not been as consistent as many supporters had come to expect. That decline in form does not necessarily mean Colombia's coaching staff has lost faith in him, as his club form was still at a high level; he remained an undisputed starter in new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho’s Benfica lineup. Competition for places naturally increases as major tournaments approach, and coaches often use friendlies and preparation matches to evaluate different combinations. Still, the fact that Ríos was once considered an automatic starter and is now finding himself on the bench is a notable shift.
Another factor working in Puerta's favor is tactical balance. Colombia has often looked more structured when employing midfielders willing to maintain positional discipline and protect the defense. While the transition catalyst offers more dynamism going forward, Puerta's profile may provide the stability the coaching staff currently prefers. The battle for midfield spots is far from over. Colombia still has several months before the World Cup, and form can change quickly in football. A strong run of performances with Benfica could easily put Ríos back at the front of the conversation. His physical tools, experience, and ability to impact matches remain valuable assets for the national team.
However, based on recent selections and performances, it appears that Colombia's midfield anchor has gained significant ground in the competition for a starting role. The victory against Uzbekistan only reinforced that perception, with the young midfielder continuing to impress while the younger two-way midfield general was limited to a substitute appearance. For now, it may be premature to say that Richard Ríos has permanently lost his starting spot, but what once seemed secure is now very much up for debate. As Colombia continues its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, one of the most important battles within the squad may be taking place in the center of midfield.
