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In what is their penultimate 2026 World Cup warm-up fixture, Colombia host Costa Rica at Estadio El Campin on Monday, aiming to end a recent dip in performance.
Los Cafeteros suffered defeats in both of their friendly matches during the March international window and are now searching for improved momentum ahead of the upcoming global tournament, with another friendly scheduled against Jordan six days later.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica will face England after this match and are looking to rebuild confidence after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Colombia Rica vs. Costa Rica key stats
- Each of Colombia’s last four matches has produced over 2.5 goals.
- Luis Diaz scored in the most recent head-to-head meeting between both teams.
- Costa Rica have recorded only one win in their last 10 matches.
- Colombia have won five of their last eight matches (D1, L2).
Colombia vs. Costa Rica preview: Los Ticos aim to rebuild momentum ahead of World Cup
| Colombia | vs | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| 13th | FIFA Ranking | 51st |
| David Ospina (129) | Most Caps | Juan Pablo Vargas (41) |
| James Rodríguez (31) | Most Goals | Josimar Alcocer (7) |
| 998 | Total Caps | 304 |
| 103 | Total Goals | 32 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 1 |
Colombia were left disappointed in 2022 after narrowly missing out on World Cup qualification, but they have since re-established themselves among South America’s strongest teams by securing a place at the 2026 tournament.
Nestor Lorenzo’s side delivered a strong CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, collecting seven wins, seven draws and four defeats to finish inside the top three.
However, recent momentum has been less convincing in friendlies, with back-to-back defeats, starting with a 2-1 loss to Croatia and followed by a 3-1 setback against France.
Colombia will aim to halt this decline as they build preparation for the World Cup, where they are drawn in Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Congo and Portugal.
Costa Rica qualified for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cup editions but will not feature in the upcoming tournament after missing out.
Los Ticos ended their qualifying campaign in the third round, finishing third after managing just one win from six matches (D4, L1).
A change in leadership followed their disappointment, with Fernando Batista appointed in February this year as he looks to rebuild the team.
However, the Argentine head coach has endured a difficult start, drawing his first match against Jordan before suffering a 5-0 defeat to Iran in Costa Rica’s most recent outing.
Colombia vs. Costa Rica form guide & betting tips
| Colombia | vs | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
DWWLL |
Form | WLDDL |
| 7 | Goals For | 6 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 9 |
DWWLL |
International friendlies | DLLDL |
Whispers predicts: Colombia 3-0 Costa Rica
Colombia are strong favourites for this encounter due to the clear quality gap and global ranking difference, with the South American side 38 places above their opponents.
That said, a home win at 1.20 offers limited value, while Colombia to win to nil at 4/5 (1.80) provides a stronger return potential.
This also aligns with a 3-0 correct score at 6/1 (7.00), especially as the last meeting between both sides ended with the same result, while over 2.5 goals is priced at 3/5 (1.60).
> Match result – Colombia to win at 1/5 (1.20) | Likelihood: Probale
> Over 2.5 goals at 3/5 (1.60) | Likelihood: Probale
> Colombia win to nil at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – Colombia 3-0 Costa Rica at 6/1 (7.00) | Likelihood: Outsider