Colombia vs – Colombia and Costa Rica face off in an international friendly on Jun 1, 2026 (7:00 PM). Here’s how to watch, what’s known about form, and the World Cup stakes shaping this final tune-up.
Jun 1, 2026 is circled for two national teams heading in opposite emotional directions. Colombia step into an international friendly against Costa Rica as both sides complete their preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The kick-off is set for 7:00 PM.
For Colombia, the moment feels sharper than a typical friendly. Néstor Lorenzo’s side are preparing to enter 2026 as one of South America’s most talked-about squads. drawn into Group K alongside Portugal. Uzbekistan and DR Congo. Their March run of friendlies has already tested that optimism: back-to-back defeats against France and Croatia left plenty to question about readiness at the highest level.
At the heart of Colombia’s plans is James Rodríguez, 34. The veteran playmaker remains central to everything Los Cafeteros do going forward, with one goal in mind this summer—and the talent around him is why the squad still carries real optimism on the global stage.
Costa Rica, though, are working with a different kind of pressure. Los Ticos have endured a difficult run of results. and their most recent outing ended in a 5-0 defeat to Iran. The message from that night is blunt: there’s a gap to close before the World Cup begins. Their CONCACAF qualifying campaign was patchy, and form during this preparation window has been inconsistent.
This fixture is being treated as a last chance to sharpen the shape of the squad, settle roles, and build confidence before the tournament kicks off. Colombia will want a performance that pulls them back toward the rhythm they showed under Lorenzo. Costa Rica will need a response.
Team news & squads
Confirmed team news for Colombia vs Costa Rica is not yet available. No injury or suspension information has been provided for either side. and no probable lineups have been confirmed at this stage. Updates will be added closer to kick-off as both squads are finalised ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Form and goals across recent matches
Colombia head into this match having won two. drawn one and lost two of their last five outings. Their most recent result was a 1-3 defeat to France in a friendly on March 29. following a 1-2 loss to Croatia three days earlier. Before that difficult March window, Colombia showed stronger form, beating Australia 3-0 in November and edging New Zealand 2-1. Across their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded six.
Costa Rica’s recent form has been poor. Their last five results show one win, two draws and two defeats. The most alarming result in that run was a 0-5 loss to Iran on March 31. They drew 2-2 with Jordan days before that. Their CONCACAF qualifying campaign included a 1-0 defeat to Haiti and a goalless draw with Honduras. Their sole win in this stretch was a 4-1 victory over Nicaragua in October.
What their meetings have looked like
The most recent meeting between these two sides ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for Colombia at the 2024 Copa America on June 28. Colombia have dominated this fixture in recent years too. winning 3-1 in a 2018 friendly and also taking 1-0 wins in both a 2015 friendly and a 2011 Copa America tie. Costa Rica’s only win across the last five meetings came in 2016 Copa America, when they beat Colombia 3-2.
The shape of match betting trends
In head-to-head data for recent outcomes. games over 2.5 goals sit at 3/5. and both teams scored at 2/5 for the head-to-head record. For the goal scoring trend shown. it lists “Goal Scored (Conceded)” as 7/6 across the last five for Colombia. with games over 2.5 goals at 4/5 and both teams scored at 3/5. For Costa Rica’s side of that same recent window. it lists “Goal Scored (Conceded)” as 6/9. with games over 2.5 goals at 3/5 and both teams scored at 2/5.
How to watch Colombia vs Costa Rica with VPN
If you are travelling abroad or just want to access your usual streaming services from a different part of the world. geo-restrictions can get in the way. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, can help by creating a secure, encrypted connection online. By changing your virtual location to a country where the game is being broadcast. you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch live.
A step-by-step guide is laid out as follows:
Download and install the VPN app (sign up for ExpressVPN or another reputable VPN service. then download the app on your device). Connect to a server location where the match is being shown (for example. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream. connect to a US server). Clear your cache—clear your cookies or refresh your browser so the change takes effect. Start streaming on your broadcaster’s website and app.
How to watch on the big screen
Watching on a phone or laptop is one thing. Getting it on the biggest screen is another.
Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect like you would on your phone.
Apple TV, Roku & consoles: These devices often don’t support direct VPN apps. The workaround described is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.
A final tune-up with clear stakes
The match sits at a point where preparation is either turning into confidence—or exposing what still needs fixing. Colombia are trying to carry momentum into Group K. with Portugal. Uzbekistan and DR Congo waiting in the background of every decision. every run. every missed chance. Costa Rica. coming off a 5-0 loss to Iran and uneven preparation form. are hunting for proof that their World Cup readiness is more than a promise.
At 7:00 PM on Jun 1, 2026, it’s not just another friendly. It’s a chance to look sharper, settle the squad, and decide which version of each team arrives when the World Cup begins in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Colombia vs Costa Rica 2026 FIFA World Cup international friendly Jun 1 2026 7:00 PM VPN streaming ExpressVPN Néstor Lorenzo James Rodríguez
So it’s just a tune-up and not even the World Cup… but why is this game already “stakes” lol
Colombia losing to France and Croatia sounds rough, but friendlies are kinda fake anyway. Still tho I feel bad for James Rodríguez, he’s probably gonna be carrying the whole team again.
Wait I thought Colombia’s group was like Portugal and Spain or something? And Uzbekistan?? If they drew Uzbekistan then that’s definitely why they’re losing, like no disrespect but it’s just weird matchups. Also 7pm where? I’m guessing 7pm Colombia time, idk.
I don’t even know who Costa Rica has right now but if Colombia’s season is “opposite emotional directions” that means Costa Rica is gonna win by accident or something. Like friendlies always mess with my brain. Also the article keeps saying James Rodríguez is 34 which is crazy because I swear he’s still in his prime from 2014??