Bolivia will face Colombia at their new high-altitude home, El Alto, on Thursday in a crucial 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match. Bolivia recently ended a long winless streak and will aim to continue their momentum at home, while Colombia are riding high after a big win over Argentina.
Bolivia’s Recent Form
Bolivia has been reinvigorated under new coach Óscar Villegas, winning their last two matches, including a 4-0 win against Venezuela at El Alto and a historic away victory against Chile, their first road win in World Cup qualifiers since 1993.
Sitting level with Paraguay in the standings, Bolivia must capitalize on their formidable home advantage to stay in the race for qualification, as their away form is traditionally weak. They will likely rely on maximum points from home matches to contend for a top-seven finish, which would secure an intercontinental playoff spot.
Colombia’s Recent Form
Colombia, under Néstor Lorenzo, remains unbeaten in regular time over 28 matches, having most recently avenged their Copa America final loss to Argentina with a 2-0 victory.
Colombia are currently in a comfortable position in the qualifiers, seven points clear of the automatic qualification spots, and look likely to return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition. However, they have historically struggled in Bolivia’s altitude but will be hoping to improve on past results, having won in Bolivia in 2011 and 2016.
Team News
Bolivia:
Bolivia will be without their veteran goalkeeper Carlos Lampe due to injury, so Guillermo Viscarra is expected to start in goal. Their youthful squad will lean on fresh talent, though experienced players like Ramiro Vaca and Fernando Saucedo will need to step up. Henry Vaca is also out injured.
Colombia:
Colombian fans will be pleased to see Luis Díaz, who has been in great form for Liverpool, fit and ready, but Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Muñoz is out with an injury.
Jhon Duran, also shining in the Premier League, is expected to lead the attack. Veteran James Rodriguez, despite limited club minutes, remains a key figure for Colombia, having put in a stellar performance against Argentina.
Predicted Lineups
Bolivia:
Viscarra; Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo; Robson Matheus, E. Vaca, Villamil; Miguelito, Algaranaz, Fernandez
Colombia:
Vargas; S. Arias, Mina, Lucumi, Mojica; Rios, Lerma, J. Arias; James, Duran, Diaz
Prediction
Despite Bolivia’s impressive home advantage, Colombia’s form and quality should prevail. However, the altitude in El Alto makes this a tricky fixture, and Bolivia will push hard to defend their ground.
Prediction: Bolivia 1-2 Colombia
