Colombia face Portugal in Group K, James backs Díaz for Ballon d'Or

Group K: Portugal the favourites, Colombia the clear threat

Your World Cup 2026 group is set. Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. Portugal enter as the betting favourites, led by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo at what will almost certainly be his final World Cup (1).

But Colombia are rated as the clear second force in the group. The big one on the calendar: 27 June against Portugal. That match will likely decide who tops the group and gets the kinder knockout path. DR Congo and Uzbekistan are not pushovers, but the expectation is that Colombia and Portugal advance (1).

Your opening match against Uzbekistan is where you set the tone. Three points there is non-negotiable before the Portugal showdown.

James: "Luis Díaz for the Ballon d'Or, why not?"

James Rodríguez does not lack confidence heading into this tournament. Speaking to media, he said his teammate Luis Díaz belongs in the top five players in the world right now after a "unique season" at Bayern Munich (2).

And if Colombia win the whole thing? "Lucho Ballon d'Or, why not?" (2)

It is a bold claim. But it tells you the belief inside this squad. James is not just praising a friend. He is setting the bar at World Cup glory and individual recognition for his teammate. Díaz carries Colombia's biggest threat in the final third, and James clearly wants the world to know it.

Falcao weighs in on the Castaño controversy

Not everyone is happy with Nestor Lorenzo's squad. Falcao, one of Colombia's greatest ever players, has acknowledged that Kevin Castaño's World Cup call-up "generated controversy in Colombia" (3).

Falcao, now at River, did not tear the decision apart. He spoke with the calm of a veteran who understands these debates. But the fact he addressed it at all tells you the conversation is real back home. Lorenzo has made his choice. Now Castaño has to justify it on the pitch.

Fan reactions

Colombian fans online are split. Plenty are buzzing over James backing Díaz for the Ballon d'Or, seeing it as the kind of swagger the team needs. Others are more grounded, pointing out that Portugal and Ronaldo are a massive hurdle before anyone thinks about trophies. The Castaño debate is alive too. Some trust Lorenzo, others are still scratching their heads. Read more on r/soccer.