Tue Oct 14 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Colombia Faces Canada in International Friendly, Seeks to Climb FIFA Rankings

**Sports Illustrated Stadium, October 14, 2023** – The Colombian national team faces Canada tonight in an international friendly at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, aiming to continue their winning form and improve their FIFA ranking. The match, kicking off at 7:30 p.m., sees Luis Díaz captaining Colombia, while Álvaro Montero gets a significant test in goal.

This game is Colombia’s second test of the FIFA window, following a dominant victory over Mexico. Coach Néstor Lorenzo is expected to experiment with his lineup, offering opportunities to various players. The projected starting XI includes Montero; Román, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Portilla, Ríos; Quintero, Campaz, Díaz, and Hernández.

Canada, co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, will field a strong team including ST. Clair; Laryea, Cornelius, De Fougerolles, Sigur, Koné, Eustáquio, Ahmed, Buchanan, David, and Oluwaseyi. Colombo-Canadian player Jonathan Osorio praised the Colombian team’s current form, calling them “very solid” ahead of the match. Canada is coming off a close loss to Australia.

Coach Lorenzo emphasized the importance of preparation and squad unity, stating, “Working, fine-tuning details, building a good group of players and people, that has given us many results. Studying the opponent a lot, but without losing our essence. That is manifested in the plan of each game.”

Colombia currently sits 13th in the FIFA rankings and a strong showing in this match, along with victories in upcoming fixtures, is crucial for securing a top-10 spot before the World Cup draw. Canada, ranked 26th, will be looking for a strong performance as part of their preparations for hosting the World Cup.

The last encounter between the two teams was in 2014, with Colombia securing a narrow 1-0 victory courtesy of a James Rodríguez goal.

**In related news**, Colombia’s search for a second opponent for the November FIFA window continues, as a scheduled match against Nigeria has been cancelled due to Nigeria’s participation in African World Cup qualification playoffs. New Zealand is confirmed as one opponent.

A large contingent of Colombian fans is expected at the Sports Illustrated Stadium to support their national team.

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