How Can Colombia Solve Their Lack of a Reliable Striker Ahead of the 2026 World Cup?
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Colombia finds itself at a familiar crossroads. With the World Cup closer by the day, Colombia finds itself blessed with plenty of flair, creativity, and technical quality, but lacking a clinical, reliable number nine to lead the line. The nation's golden generation, featuring James Rodríguez, Radamel Falcao, and Juan Cuadrado, is either past its prime, phasing out, or entirely out of the picture within the context of the national team. While the midfield and wings are beginning to see promising new faces, the central striker position remains a glaring issue for manager Néstor Lorenzo's side.
Since Radamel Falcao's decline due to age and injuries, Colombia has struggled to replace his goal-scoring prowess. During his peak, Falcao was not only a prolific finisher but also a leader who commanded respect and attention from defenders. His ability to score in tight games made Colombia a genuine threat in international tournaments. Without a clear successor, Colombia's attack has looked blunt in recent major fixtures. Colombia has experimented with several strikers post-Falcao, including Rafael Santos Borré, Duván Zapata, Miguel Borja, and Jhon Córdoba. While each offers unique qualities, none have consistently delivered at the international level. Duván Zapata possesses the physicality and experience, but lacks sharpness and consistency in front of the goal. Miguel Borja shows moments of promise but is prone to disappearing in big matches. Rafael Borré, often deployed as a second striker, excels in work rate but not in goal scoring. Jhon Córdoba, who plays in Russia, has talent but remains untested against top-tier opposition. These forwards have not convinced fans or coaches that they can be the answer to Colombia's goal-scoring woes on the road to 2026.
One solution could be tactical. Lorenzo might consider a fluid front three with no traditional striker. A false nine system, similar to what Spain or even Argentina have used in the past, could accommodate the team's attacking midfield depth with players like Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias, and Jorge Carrascal rotating centrally. While unorthodox, it could maximize creativity and mobility while compensating for the lack of a clinical forward. However, the long-term solution lies in youth development. The Colombian Football Federation must focus on identifying and nurturing young strikers with the potential to lead the line. Promising names like Tomás Ángel, son of former striker Juan Pablo Ángel, who is an icon of the Colombian national team and played for Clubs like Atlético Nacional and in England for Aston Villa, and Yaser Asprilla, who is a young striker for Girona in La Liga, are showing signs of promise at their young ages. They need structured development, consistent minutes at the club level, and gradual integration into the senior team. Colombia could also expand its talent pool by scouting dual nationals born abroad. Countries like Spain, the United States, and Canada host large Colombian diasporas. Finding players with Colombian heritage who have been trained in top-tier European academies could provide an alternative route and increase the depth of options available.
If Colombia is to make a serious run in the 2026 World Cup, solving the lack of a reliable striker is not optional; it's essential. Whether through tactical innovation, development of youth prospects, or broader scouting efforts, the federation must act decisively. A striker doesn't just score goals; he anchors the attack and gives shape to the team. Colombia cannot be content with just qualifying for the World Cup by beating Bolivia and not solving their lack of a finisher in the striker role. If they do not solve this problem, Colombia risks becoming a team with style, but no edge, which could lead to an early, disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup.
