B. Rodríguez
Sportivo Desamparados · Primera Nacional · Attacker · #0 · Argentina · 35 yrs
B. Rodríguez news
Nestor Lorenzo signs Colombia extension as James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz look to the next cycle
James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz will continue to have Nestor Lorenzo as their coach, following his contract renewal with Colombia. Colombia confirmed that Nestor Lorenzo will continue as head coach of the men’s national team, closing the book on months of speculation about his future following the country’s run at the 2026 World Cup. The decision came after a meeting of the Colombian Football Federation’s (FCF) Executive Committee in Bogota on Thursday, July 23. The federation made the news official through an official statement: “The Executive Committee of the Colombian Football Federation announces, following the meeting held this Thursday, July 23, in the city of Bogota, the renewal of head coach Nestor Lorenzo’s contract at the helm of the Colombia men’s senior national team”. The communique didn’t specify an exact end date for the new deal, though it’s understood to run through the South American World Cup qualifiers for the 2030 edition, with the expectation that it could be extended further if Colombia reaches the centennial World Cup. The renewal gives Lorenzo, who took over the program in July 2022, a clear runway to build toward the next cycle with largely the same group of players that carried the team through this World Cup. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼́𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲́𝗰𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗡𝗲́𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗼🔗 https://t.co/mqIa6xbLCi#LaSeleNosUne🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/QsxmHRSVJF— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) July 23, 2026 What the renewal means for James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz Lorenzo’s continuity is significant news for James Rodriguez in particular. The coach has consistently viewed the veteran playmaker as an important piece of his setup, calling him up regularly even during stretches when Rodriguez wasn’t producing his best form at club level. With Lorenzo staying on, the door remains open for Rodriguez to continue being part of the national team project going forward. Luis Diaz, meanwhile, faces no such uncertainty. The winger remains a fixture in Lorenzo’s plans and is currently regarded as Colombia’s best player, making him an obvious cornerstone as the team begins building toward the next World Cup cycle. Lorenzo’s numbers with Colombia Since taking charge, Lorenzo has restored Colombia to the top tier of South American football after a stretch on the margins of the region’s biggest competitions. His tenure includes a runner-up finish at the 2024 Copa America and a return to the World Cup stage, both marks of a program that had gone years without featuring prominently on the continental radar. Perhaps the clearest sign of that turnaround was a 28-match unbeaten run that stood as one of the best stretches in the national team’s history, a streak that only came to an end in the most painful way possible: a loss to Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final. Across his time in charge, Lorenzo has overseen 51 matches, winning 31, drawing 12 and losing just 8.
Arsenal continue squad revamp with signing of Spain keeper Misa Rodríguez
27-year-old leaves Real Madrid after six years at club‘Arsenal is one of the top clubs in the world,’ she saysArsenal have continued their rebuild by signing the Spain goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez on a free transfer. The 27‑year‑old arrives after spending the past six years at Real Madrid.The Women’s Super League side have already added Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Selina Cerci (Hoffenheim), Ona Batlle (Barcelona) and Géraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt) as they aim to challenge for the title. Last season they finished runners-up, four points behind the champions, Manchester City. Continue reading...
World Cup 2030 (very early) power rankings: who will challenge Spain at top?
The next men’s World Cup is still four years away, but we take a look at the teams with the firmest foundations who should be primed to contendThe 2026 World Cup provided many an esteemed veteran with what could be their international swansongs, with golden greats Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Neymar, James Rodríguez and Guillermo Ochoa all making teary exits as their tournament ended. As we turn ahead to the 2030 World Cup, any player 32 or older will be sweating their selection status and changing their daily routines to stay sharp against inevitable aging.For these power rankings, we’re overvaluing sure things. Teams with plenty of leading players comfortably in their 20s can build for this impending four-year cycle with greater confidence than a team replacing an ageless talisman. Consider these the 10 teams with the firmest foundations and viable reasons to hope to reach a quarter-final in four years’ time. Continue reading...
How Colombia’s win, draw, or loss vs Switzerland could impact the 2026 World Cup bracket
Whether Colombia advances, falls short, or needs extra time and penalties to decide its fate against Switzerland could completely change the road toward the World Cup final, adding even more pressure to a meeting between two unbeaten national teams. Colombia and Switzerland are preparing for a decisive 2026 World Cup Round of 16 battle at BC Place in Vancouver, with the final result set to shape the next stage of the tournament. Whether Colombia advances, falls short, or needs extra time and penalties to decide its fate against Switzerland could completely change the road toward the World Cup final, adding even more pressure to a meeting between two unbeaten national teams. Both Colombia and Switzerland have impressed during the tournament, reaching the knockout stage without a defeat and proving they belong among the final contenders. Thus, this matchup brings together two teams with very different strengths. Colombia has built its World Cup campaign around defensive organization, conceding only one goal in four matches, while Switzerland has developed into one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides. Néstor Lorenzo’s Colombia finished top of Group K after collecting seven points, defeating Uzbekistan and DR Congo before securing a valuable draw against Portugal. The team then continued its strong defensive performances in the knockout stage, beating Ghana 1-0 thanks to its ability to control games and limit opponents’ chances. Switzerland enters the match with growing confidence after recovering from a disappointing opening draw against Qatar. Murat Yakin’s side finished first in Group B after victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada before defeating Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32. DateColombia’s OpponentStageResultJune 17, 2026UzbekistanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 23, 2026DR CongoGroup StageWin (1-0)June 27, 2026PortugalGroup StageDraw (0-0)July 3, 2026GhanaRound of 32Win (1-0) The Swiss attack has been led by breakout midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has become one of the biggest surprises of the tournament with three goals and two assists. Alongside Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, and Ruben Vargas, Manzambi has helped Switzerland become a much more dangerous attacking team. DateSwitzerland’s OpponentStageResultJune 13, 2026QatarGroup StageDraw (1-1)June 18, 2026Bosnia and HerzegovinaGroup StageWin (4-1)June 24, 2026CanadaGroup StageWin (2-1)July 2, 2026AlgeriaRound of 32Win (2-0) What happens if Colombia wins and Switzerland loses? A Colombia victory would send the national team into the World Cup quarterfinals for only the second time in history, matching the achievement from the famous 2014 tournament in Brazil. If Colombia defeats Switzerland, the next challenge will come against the winner of Argentina versus Egypt. The quarterfinal would take place on July 11 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, placing Colombia one step closer to a possible semifinal appearance. Luis-Diaz of Colombia A victory would also create the possibility of a blockbuster meeting with Argentina, the reigning world champion. The South American rivals could face each other in a knockout match if both teams continue advancing through the bracket. Colombia’s defensive record would provide confidence heading into the next round. The team has shown it can compete against elite opponents, and another clean sheet could become the foundation for a historic run. What happens if Colombia and Switzerland draw after 90 minutes? Although Colombia and Switzerland cannot finish the Round of 16 match with a final draw, a tied score after regulation would create another dramatic scenario. The teams would play 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout. A penalty shootout would add another layer of history to the contest. Colombia experienced heartbreak in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16 when England eliminated the national team on penalties after a 1-1 draw. James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias and players
Best fans at the World Cup? How Colombia’s support powered the team to success
Néstor Lorenzo’s side face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday and will be hoping for the same backing that has shocked opponents so farMexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, Kansas City – Colombia’s World Cup journey has gradually been heading north for three weeks. Thousands of their supporters now descend on Vancouver looking to see Néstor Lorenzo’s side try to reach their first quarter-final in 12 years when they face Switzerland on Tuesday. After Mexico and the United States, “yellow fever” is about to hit Canada.This sort of fan migration, which has filled host cities with vibrant colour and joy, has not been seen since that last quarter-final in 2014, when Colombia supporters travelled in massive numbers to Brazil, not only owing to its proximity but also to the fact that the selección had not qualified for a World Cup for almost a generation before. James Rodríguez, the breakout star of that tournament, addressed the fans before travelling to North America as captain this year as there had been trouble when Colombia were in the US for the 2024 Copa América. Continue reading...
Is James Rodriguez playing? Colombia vs Ghana confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
The confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup match between Colombia and Ghana, with James Rodriguez ready to start. The final match of the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup should provide another tough battle as Colombia and Ghana fight for a place in the Round of 16, with James Rodríguez ready to start. While qualification was certainly possible, not many expected Colombia to be in this position because they were drawn into the same group as Portugal. That was not a problem, however, as they won the group after drawing with Portugal in the final match following victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo. It was a different journey for Ghana, who began the tournament strongly but are no longer carrying the same confidence they had built. A late victory over Panama was followed by a draw with England that secured their place in the knockout stage with a match to spare, but they then lost to Croatia and finished third. Colombia vs Ghana lineups For this match, Néstor Lorenzo opted for this lineup for Colombia: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica, Puerta, Lerma, Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Cordoba and Diaz. Semenyo is a player to follow (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Manager Carlos Queiroz preferred this lineup for Ghana: Ati-Zigi; Mensah, Opoku, Senaya, Luckassen, Partey, Sibo, Yirenki, Semenyo, Ayew and Williams. Their next match The winner of this match will play Switzerland on July 7 after the Europeans defeated Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32.
Barcelona wonderkid bids emotional farewell after securing permanent exit: ‘Leaving having grown as a footballer’
Former Barcelona youngster Dani Rodriguez has officially closed an important chapter of his career after completing his permanent transfer to Dinamo Zagreb, and the winger has now shared an emotional ...
Switzerland’s updated FIFA ranking before 2026 World Cup clash with Algeria
Switzerland managed to establish as the best team in Group A, remaining unbeaten at the 2026 World Cup. As a result, they have climbed a few places in the FIFA Men's World Ranking before facing Algeria. Switzerland arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites in Group A. Remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage, they exceeded the fans’ expectations. Unlike previous editions, they have been shining in front of goal with Johan Manzambi’s contributions. Ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Algeria, Murat Yakin’s team have climbed several places in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, reflecting their excellent form. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Switzerland are ranked 16th place with 1,676.00 points. With their solid performances, they have gained one position in the ranking. However, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 83rd position in December of 1998. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 3rd in August of 1993. Following their recent impressive performances, Murat Yakin’s team remain above Algeria. Vladimir Petković’s team are ranked 29th place with 1576.80 points, losing one spot. However, they may still surprise Switzerland with their great offense led by Riyad Mahrez. Coupled with him, Amine Gouiri is expected to play a key role, opening gaps in the defense with their great vision and may shine in the scoring side. Unlike Algeria, Switzerland have proven to be one of the most balanced teams in the tournament. With Gregor Kobel as goalkeeper and Manuel Akanji – Nico Elvedi in central defense, they have shined in the group stage. However, Algeria’s offense may endanger their solid line. Their excellent midfield that controls and drives the game, allowing Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi to shine in the scoring side. Silvan Widmer #3 and Remo Freuler #8 of Switzerland applaud fans. Switzerland’s high defensive line could be punished by Algeria Led by Granit Xhaka, Switzerland manage to control matches by pressing high and dominating possession. Looking to suffocate their opponents, Ricardo Rodríguez and Luca Jaquez push forward frequently in an attempt to open up the opposition’s defense. Although this approach has produced many positive results, it could prove very costly against Algeria, who have two outstanding wingers and excel on the counterattack. In the event of a loss of possession, Riyad Mahrez and Farès Chaïbi can break quickly on the counterattack. With plenty of space to run into, they could be in prime position to score. Because of this, Switzerland may need to avoid pushing both wing-backs forward, instead keeping Luca Jaquez in defense. In doing so, they could counter the opposition’s attack, as Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler usually contribute defensively.