Verdict: Colombia win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their final World Cup preparations underway in the early hours of Friday, Colombia will welcome Costa Rica to the Estadio El Campin.

Colombia

Starting with the hosts, getting 2026 underway with consecutive friendly defeats against Croatia and France, Colombia will be desperately searching for some much-welcomed momentum before they jet off to North America for this summer’s World Cup. Nevertheless, despite being hit with back-to-back losses for the first time since March 2025, La Tricolor did gain plenty of plaudits during their qualifying adventure last year. Signing off their South American qualifying campaign with an action-packed 6-3 victory against Venezuela, Friday’s hosts eventually breezed their way to a bronze medal finish. With their sights firmly set on punching a World Cup knockout stage ticket this summer, Nestor Lorenzo’s side will get their North American adventure underway on June 18th when they meet Uzbekistan.

Colombia Team News

While skipper James Rodriguez might once again be searching for a new club after mutually agreeing to leave MLS outfit Minnesota this month, the former Real Madrid superstar has been included in Colombia’s squad. Likewise, enjoying a remarkable maiden campaign in the Bundesliga and crowned domestic champions with Bayern Munich, ex-Liverpool ace Luis Diaz will play a leading role in the final third.

The Crystal Palace duo of Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma have been included in Colombia’s squad, as has former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. One-time Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez should start at the heart of Lorenzo’s defence.

Costa Rica

As for the visitors, eventually falling short last year as they were heartbroken to have missed out on their own respective World Cup ticket, Costa Rica find themselves at the heart of an extended rut. Last seen during March’s international break putting in a nightmare performance as they were hit with a 5-0 drumming against Iran, Fernando Batista’s side look set for what is another monumental challenge when they travel to the Estadio El Campin on Friday. In fact, getting 2026 underway with a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against Jordan, Los Ticos have remarkably claimed just a single win from any of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all fronts – a rut that stems back to June 2025.

Costa Rica Team News

With Batista looking to get appearing to get a new era underway this month, Costa Rica have handed out a string of maiden call-ups. The likes of Bayron Mora Christopher Moya, Shawn Johnson, Doryan Rodriguez and Orlando Sinclair have been included for a first time.

Registering four direct goal contributions in as many MLS appearances over the past few weeks (three goals, one assist), Nashville striker Warren Madrigal could be handed the chance to lead the line here. Playing his domestic football with Portuguese outfit Casa Pia, Patrick Sequeira should keep his spot between the sticks.

Colombia vs Costa Rica Key Factors to Consider

• When Colombia and Costa Rica last met back in June 2024, Friday’s hosts cruised their way to a routine 3-0 Copa America victory.
• In fact, Colombia have won seven of their eight historic showdowns against Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica have claimed just a single win from any of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all fronts – a rut that stems back to June 2025.
• Los Ticos have shipped seven goals in their first two appearances of 2026.
• Bayern Munich superstar Luis Diaz has registered 29 direct goal contributions in his 32 Bundesliga appearances this season (15 goals, 14 assists).

Conclusion

Getting 2026 underway with consecutive friendly defeats, Colombia will be desperately searching for a much-welcomed boost here. Nevertheless, cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory when they last met Costa Rica for a Copa America showdown back in June 2024, Friday’s hosts do hold a dominant historic record. In fact, winning seven of their eight meetings, Colombia will be confident of claiming some ideal pre-World Cup momentum at the Estadio El Campin.

Verdict: Colombia win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster