There are still 167 days until the start of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, and the anticipation is gradually increasing. Since the teams classified according to the playoffs are not yet known, it is already clear for the Colombian team that it will star in one of the most attractive and decisive matches of the group stage against Portugal, the conclusion of its participation in Group K.
This match is, according to FIFA, the match with the highest demand for tickets in the first round of the competition, as Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez are expected to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in a match that will decide who remains the group leader in the preliminary round. Furthermore, it will be the first time in history that both teams will compete against each other.
You can now continue following us Facebook and in ours WhatsApp channel
In line with this expectation, one of those who want to be protagonists of this duel expressed his opinion about it. Luis Javier Suárez, Colombian striker of Sporting Lisbon, made direct and challenging statements six months before the game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, on June 27, 2026.
In an interview with Portuguese media RecordThe attacker expressed his confidence in the Colombian team, highlighted the quality and maturity of the national team and was optimistic about the game against the Portuguese team.
In fact, the striker explained that at Sporting there are already conversations and jokes related to this upcoming confrontation: “We tell everyone that we will beat Portugal (laughs). They will be very nice games.”he emphasized, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere and confidence in the locker room.
Addressing the strengths of the team led by Néstor Lorenzo, Suárez highlighted the tricolor’s collective solidity and moment of footballing growth: “We have a very good, mature team that knows what we are playing. We have very complicated games.”affirmed the attacker, highlighting the group’s preparation and commitment in the face of a World Cup that generates enthusiasm to play a role equivalent to what is expected of the current runner-up in America.
Suárez, one of the revelations in the last matches of the Conmebol qualifiers, stood out for his mobility at the top and for the four goals he scored as a guest in Maturín against Venezuela, which secured the classification of the tricolor.
“It’s an incredible feeling, it’s a child’s dream not only to play with the national team or to fulfill the dream of singing the anthem but also singing goals and there were four. So it’s the time when I continue to enjoy it because it’s like the reward of a life’s work.”he explained.
Living with Portuguese players on a daily basis and the presence of his compatriot Richard Ríos at Sporting’s biggest rivals Benfica have made the anticipation for the World Cup duel even greater. “We talked about it, it will be a very nice game. If I’m lucky enough to go to the World Cup, meet my teammates from here and when I come back from the national team, I have to celebrate when we win,” he said jokingly. Regarding his relationship with Ríos, Suárez said: “He helped me a few times, and I helped him…”.
Suárez’s presence at Sporting Lisbon is marked by the challenge of replacing Swede Viktor Gyökeres, a goalscorer who made an important mark at the Portuguese club and was transferred to Arsenal at the start of the season.
“As I have said several times, for me it is nice to have this challenge because I think that every player who comes from a second division and joins a big club like Sporting and has an incredible challenge in front of him, not only for himself as a person but for all the fans and the club, should try not to forget but to turn the side of such an important player like Viktor,” he explained.
The Colombian is currently more than fulfilling the expectations placed on him with 15 goals in 25 games played. “Being at a big club like Sporting, playing in the starting line-up, scoring goals and providing assists, it is an honor to continue to go to the national team.”He added, making it clear that the main goal is to wear the tricolor in the most important national team tournament in the world.
About The Author
