Thousands of Colombia supporters are descending on Vancouver to back their national team in a crucial World Cup fixture against Switzerland on Tuesday.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side aims to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years.
The passionate fan migration has previously brought vibrant colors to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, and Kansas City.
This massive travel wave mirrors the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Ahead of the current campaign, team captain James Rodríguez addressed the fanbase following previous crowd issues during the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
“They should know that we always give everything and that this positive energy – in the right spirit, by posting on social media as well – is contagious,” said Rodríguez.
“You feel it and I simply ask them to bring those good vibes, keep them going and that they do things properly.”
Rodríguez has struggled to dominate matches in this tournament and was substituted at half-time during the last-32 victory over Ghana.
In his place, Luis Díaz has emerged as the main talisman for the team.
The tournament has become a significant family journey for many fans, including Juan Carlos Mila, who rented a minivan to travel 7,000 miles across North America with his family.
To support their journey, Mila's children sold t-shirts, caps, flags, and traditional vueltiaos hats outside the venues.
“We made a flag that is around six metres long and cut six holes into it,” says Mila.
“We put our heads through the holes. The flag says ‘Colombia Mundial 2026’.”
The scale of Colombian support has impacted opposing teams throughout the competition.
Before their match in Miami, Portugal manager Roberto Martínez noted the significant challenge of controlling emotions while playing in an environment heavily dominated by Colombian spectators.
Former Colombia coach and current Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz also expressed surprise at the atmosphere inside the stadium during the knockout round.
“Colombia have [good] players, passion and incredible fans,” said Queiroz. “They started to win the game after the anthem.
They were stronger with 60,000 people on their side and it affects an inexperienced team.
I felt some of my Ghana players were not calm because Colombia’s 12th man did a very good job.”
The team shirt also sparked political debate domestically during the presidential elections, where right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and left-wing rival Iván Cepeda clashed over its symbolic use in political campaigns.
Despite domestic debates, the national football team remains a powerful unifying element for citizens as they prepare for the upcoming match at Vancouver Stadium.
“The players are the ones who want it most. Us, as fans, we’re watching it from afar with great anticipation, support and yearning,” says Mila.
“They’ll go out on to the pitch to give their all. They don’t want to lose the ball or lose the game.
That’s contagious.”
