Colombia

On August 10, 2026, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicenter near San José Del Palmar, Chocó region. The quake killed at least 69 people, with Pereira hardest hit (18 deaths), and caused widespread building collapses in Cali, Manizales, and other cities. Aftershocks followed, and flights were suspended at six airports. The tremor was felt in Ecuador and Venezuela. Newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella activated a crisis team and traveled to Pereira.

19 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 18, 01:41 PM UTC

On August 7, 2026, far-right millionaire lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's president in Cali, the first inauguration held outside Bogotá. The ceremony, marked by a religious and military tone, excluded outgoing President Gustavo Petro and Nobel laureate Juan Manuel Santos. De la Espriella vowed to abolish the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, end peace talks with armed groups, and launch a firm offensive against drug trafficking. He plans to join the Shield of the Americas program, expand fossil fuel exploration, and implement fiscal austerity. The event was attended by regional right-wing leaders and a U.S. delegation.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 8, 07:20 AM UTC

Colombia has finalized a contract with Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer to purchase two KC-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, valued between $336 million and $366 million. The deal, announced on August 4, 2026, includes mission equipment, support services, and an offset program. The aircraft will enhance Colombia’s tactical airlift and aerial refueling capabilities, supporting its future fleet of Saab Gripen fighters. Deliveries are expected in 2029 and 2030. This acquisition strengthens defense ties between Colombia and Brazil and positions the KC-390 as a key competitor in Latin America.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 5, 12:12 PM UTC

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has proposed former Manchester United and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao as a candidate to join the national team's coaching staff once he retires. The move comes after assistant coach Luis Amaranto Perea left to manage Independiente Medellin. Head coach Nestor Lorenzo, whose contract was recently renewed through the 2030 World Cup, is reportedly open to the idea, though the suggestion originated from federation directors, not Lorenzo. Falcao, 40, recently became a free agent after leaving Colombian side Millonarios and is expected to retire. Despite a disappointing loan spell at Manchester United (4 goals in 29 appearances), Falcao remains Colombia's all-time leading scorer with 36 goals in 104 caps. No formal discussions have yet taken place regarding his role or responsibilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:23 PM UTC

Jordanian Professional League club Al-Hussein has officially announced the signing of Colombian forward Bryan Riascos as a free agent. The club, known as the 'Royal Legion' due to its name originating from Jordan's King Hussein, welcomed Riascos as a new member. Riascos previously played for Iraqi club Al-Zawraa and joined Al-Hussein after his contract expired. He played for Chinese Super League club Qingdao West Coast in the 2024 season, making 19 appearances, scoring 6 goals, and providing 4 assists. Besides the Chinese Super League, Riascos has experience playing in leagues in Portugal, Brazil, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Iraq. The transfer was announced on July 29.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:14 PM UTC

Former Colombia and Mexico national team coach Juan Carlos Osorio has publicly expressed his desire to join Néstor Lorenzo's coaching staff for the Colombian National Team's next cycle, which includes the 2028 Copa América and 2030 World Cup. Speaking on Win Sports' Saque Largo program, Osorio stated he is willing to accept any role, including assistant coach, and would even work for a minimum wage to contribute to Colombian football. He emphasized the need to improve the country's playing philosophy starting from youth development. Osorio revealed he currently has three professional opportunities but prioritizes the national team. This comes after the Colombian Football Federation renewed Lorenzo's contract, and assistant Luis Amaranto Perea left to coach Independiente Medellín.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:18 PM UTC

Prime Video has announced that the third season of the hit Colombian series 'Betty La Fea' will premiere on August 28, 2026, under a new title: 'Betty la Fea: Uglier Than Ever'. The season will be released in a binge format, dropping all episodes at once, a shift from the weekly rollout of previous seasons. The story follows Betty returning to Bogotá for a fashion show, reuniting with Armando and facing a new love triangle with her French ex Michel. She also begins therapy, moves into her own apartment, and deals with a corporate plagiarism scandal at Ecomoda. Key original cast members return, including Ana María Orozco, Jorge Enrique Abello, and the full 'Cuartel de las Feas'. Amazon MGM Studios executives highlighted the franchise's global appeal and the character's enduring legacy. The previous season was the top Colombian title on Prime Video in 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:11 PM UTC

FC Metz has revived its efforts to sign Colombian defender Cristian Devenish (25) from Portuguese second-division club AVS, after initial talks stalled due to AVS's increased demands for a future sell-on clause. Both clubs have now moved closer to an agreement, with a transfer fee estimated at €1 million. Devenish is expected to travel to Metz this week and sign a three-year contract. The move comes as Metz looks to bolster its defense amid uncertainty over Michel Mboula's future and potential loans for Abdoulaye Nassoko and Adam Marchal. Devenish previously visited Metz and was present on the sidelines during a friendly match against Seraing on July 17, making him familiar with the club.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 06:03 PM UTC

Colombia's hard-right President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced on July 26, 2026, that he will sever diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua upon taking office on August 7, citing opposition to what he called 'tyrannies.' He also plans to close 15 consulates and 14 embassies in countries including Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hungary, Senegal, and South Africa, though he clarified this does not mean breaking diplomatic relations with those nations. The closures aim to redirect funds to security, a central theme of his 'iron fist' campaign. Additionally, De la Espriella intends to open an embassy in Jerusalem to restore ties with Israel, which were severed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro in 2024 over the Gaza offensive, and an embassy in Nigeria to reorganize Colombia's African presence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:39 PM UTC

Colombia is demanding the return of 34 ancient stone sculptures from the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) in Berlin, currently held in the Ethnological Museum. The sculptures, originating from the San Agustín Archaeological Park in the Andes, were allegedly illegally acquired by German ethnologist Konrad Theodor Preuß around 1920. The indigenous Yanakuna people consider the grave guardians spiritually significant and fear an imbalance due to their absence. In 2021, Colombia submitted a repatriation request, but SPK President Hermann Parzinger rejected it in January 2025, arguing the objects are pre-Christian and not from a colonial context. Colombian activists and the 'Pueblo Escultor' initiative reject this reasoning. Researcher David Dellenback also found 14 unrecorded artworks from Nariño in the Berlin depot. The case remains under negotiation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:53 PM UTC

Colombia is demanding the return of 34 ancient stone sculptures from the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in Berlin, claiming they were illegally acquired by ethnologist Konrad Theodor Preuß around 1920. The sculptures, originating from the San Agustín Archaeological Park in southern Colombia, are considered sacred by the indigenous Yanakuna people, who believe their absence causes spiritual imbalance. The Colombian government submitted a repatriation request in 2021, but it was rejected in 2025 by SPK President Hermann Parzinger, who argued that the objects were not from a colonial context and that no living descendant community could claim them. Colombian activists and the 'Pueblo Escultor' initiative reject these arguments, noting that 14 additional undocumented artworks were discovered in Berlin's depots. The case remains under negotiation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:53 PM UTC

An orphaned baby lemur in southwestern Colombia, which had been fighting for its life, has shown significant improvement after receiving intensive care from a specialist team. The lemur, which lost its mother, was provided with a stuffed animal as a mother substitute to aid its recovery. The news, reported by Die Welt on July 27, 2026, highlights the successful intervention that has stabilized the animal's condition, marking a positive turn in its struggle for survival.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:19 PM UTC

An ICE officer who fatally shot 25-year-old Colombian Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine on July 13 is undergoing an internal review, according to US President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan. The review will examine the officer's security clearance and training, following reports from relatives that the army veteran had a history of serious mental health issues and violent behavior. Homan stated that if the allegations are true, the officer should never have passed the security check. The incident has raised questions about the hiring and screening procedures of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been rapidly expanding ICE under Trump's tightened immigration policies. According to the Associated Press, at least ten people have died during immigration enforcement operations since the start of Trump's new deportation campaign. Democratic members of Congress have demanded information on officer training and screening.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:29 AM UTC

An ICE officer who fatally shot 25-year-old Colombian Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine on July 13 is undergoing an internal review, focusing on his security clearance and training. US border czar Tom Homan stated that if allegations of the officer's history of serious mental health problems and violent behavior are true, he should never have passed the security check. The Department of Homeland Security initially claimed the officer acted out of concern for public safety after Guerrero tried to flee in his vehicle. The incident has raised questions about the screening of new ICE officers hired under President Trump's tightened immigration policy, as at least ten people have died in immigration enforcement operations since the campaign began. Democratic lawmakers have demanded information on officer training and screening procedures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:29 AM UTC

Colombian striker Jhon Durán, 22, is set to join Portuguese club Benfica on a season-long loan from Saudi side Al-Nassr, with a non-mandatory buy option. Durán, who cost Al-Nassr €77 million in January 2025, has struggled after loans to Fenerbahçe and Zenit. He accepted a salary cut and rejected other European offers to prioritize Benfica, where he hopes to revive his career under manager Marco Silva. The move marks his sixth club in four years.

20 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 25, 12:09 PM UTC

Argentine club River Plate officially announced the early termination of 33-year-old Colombian midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero's contract on July 25. The decision followed a public rift with head coach Eduardo Coudet, after Quintero stated in an ESPN interview that he was not a tactical priority and had not spoken to the coach since leaving for national team duty. Quintero, a club legend who scored a decisive goal in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, returned for a third stint in July 2025 to reunite with mentor Marcelo Gallardo. However, after Gallardo's departure and Coudet's appointment, his playing time diminished drastically, playing only five minutes in a key match. The club thanked Quintero for his contributions, while the player now becomes a free agent, with Italian club Cagliari among potential suitors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 06:56 AM UTC

Colombian Movistar cyclist Einer Rubio was forced to abandon the 2026 Tour de France after crashing into a UAE Team Emirates support car on the Alpe d'Huez climb. The car braked suddenly to avoid a fan crossing the road, and Rubio, riding behind, collided at full force. He suffered facial lacerations requiring 20 stitches but no fractures, and was released from Grenoble hospital that evening. The incident occurred as Tadej Pogacar overtook Rubio en route to a historic stage win and record ascent.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:51 PM UTC

Argentine coach Néstor Lorenzo has renewed his contract with the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) to continue leading the Colombian national team. The FCF did not disclose the contract length, but local press reports indicate Lorenzo, 60, will remain in charge until 2030, aiming for the World Cup co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Lorenzo was hired in 2022 after Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. He led Colombia to the 2024 Copa América final, losing to Argentina. In the 2026 World Cup, Colombia reached the round of 16, losing to Switzerland on penalties after beating Ghana in the round of 32. Colombia won Group K, defeating Uzbekistan and DR Congo, and drawing with Portugal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:26 PM UTC

According to TYC Sports, the Argentina national football team will remove the gold 'World Cup defending champion' badge from their jerseys following their loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. As runners-up, Argentina no longer holds the right to wear the FIFA champion badge, which will now be transferred to Spain. Instead, the team will wear the 2024 Copa América champion badge, earned after defeating Colombia in the 2024 Copa América final. A proposed 'four-star' jersey design, which would have featured stars for 1978, 1986, 2022, and 2026 championships, has been shelved due to the defeat. This situation mirrors the period after the 2021 Copa América win, when Argentina wore that badge until the 2022 World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:10 PM UTC

Independiente Medellín and Vasco da Gama, coached by Portuguese manager Pedro Emanuel, played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoff in Colombia. Vasco da Gama, featuring Portuguese player Nuno Moreira, fell behind twice but managed to equalize both times. John Montano scored for the Colombian side in first-half stoppage time, but Vasco leveled early in the second half via an own goal by Joaquin Varela. Montano restored Medellín's lead in the 72nd minute, only for Argentine Claudio Spinelli to equalize for Vasco in the 86th minute on a counterattack. The match was played behind closed doors as a punishment. The tie remains open, with the decisive second leg scheduled for next Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro. The winner will face Paraguay's Olimpia in the round of 16.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:15 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering ICE traffic stops to resume. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment, making her politically vulnerable. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins, portraying her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has a history of mental illness and domestic violence, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed credit for persuading Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to end such stops, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering their continuation. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment for agents. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

The article reports that Colombian footballer Jhon Durán has been registered with UEFA and is eligible to play in Benfica's second-leg Europa League qualifier against St. Gallen. However, coach Marco Silva did not call him up for the match in Switzerland, as Durán only began training with the team on Tuesday. Commentators Bernardo Ribeiro, Vítor Pinto, and Vítor Almeida Gonçalves discussed the situation. Vítor Pinto notably criticized Durán, stating the player has done nothing for three months except the 'bottle dancing exercise,' implying a lack of serious preparation or commitment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:49 PM UTC

Benfica has officially announced the signing of 18-year-old Nigerian forward Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei on a contract valid until 2028, with an option for two additional seasons. The young striker arrives from the Nigerian Women's Football League, where she played for Nasarawa Amazons in the 2024/25 season, scoring 13 goals in 19 matches and earning the league's MVP award. A product of the Asisat Oshoala Academy, Akekoromowei has represented Nigeria at the U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia and made her senior national team debut in a friendly against Algeria. She cited the influence of fellow Nigerian and former Benfica player Christy Ucheibe in her decision to join the club. Akekoromowei expressed happiness and a commitment to helping Benfica win trophies, marking her first experience in European football and her first club outside Nigeria.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:29 PM UTC

On July 22, the famous statistics website Squawka released a ranking of goalkeepers with the most clean sheets at the 2026 World Cup. Spain's Unai Simón tops the list with 7 clean sheets, far ahead of the rest. Colombia's Camilo Vargas and France's Mike Maignan are tied for second with 4 each. Mexico's Raúl Rangel has 3, while Matt Freese (USA), Yahia Fofana (Ivory Coast), Patrick Beach (Australia), Vozinha (Cape Verde), Alisson Becker (Brazil), and Maxime Crépeau (Canada) each have 2. The data was sourced from X and published by Hupu Soccer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:02 AM UTC

Real Zaragoza, a historic Spanish football club, has been sold to investment platform A.GAIN (backed by IDC Network) through its fund RONDO. A.GAIN acquires 75% of shares, with Juan Forcén retaining 25%, leading to an almost complete board overhaul. The deal follows a severe crisis involving relegation, multiple coach dismissals, and a €20 million capital increase. Former players César Sánchez and Ander Herrera facilitated the deal. A.GAIN also holds stakes in Atlético Madrid, Leeds United, and Deportivo Cali.

22 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:43 PM UTC

The famous statistics website Squawka has released a ranking of yellow cards issued in single matches of the 2026 World Cup. The list is topped by the Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco, which saw 8 yellow cards. Following closely are two group stage matches: USA vs Australia and Egypt vs Iran, each with 7 cards. Other notable matches include USA vs Paraguay, Ecuador vs Curacao, and Mexico vs England (Round of 16), each with 6 cards. The ranking also includes matches with 5 cards, such as Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Brazil vs Japan (Round of 32), and Colombia vs Ghana (Round of 32). The data was shared via X (formerly Twitter) and reported by Hupu Soccer on July 22.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:49 AM UTC

On July 22, the statistics website Squawka released a ranking of the most shots off target (wide or missed) in a single match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The list is topped by the Round of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal, which recorded 20 off-target shots. Following are Turkey vs Paraguay and Colombia vs Portugal, each with 18 off-target shots. Other matches on the list include Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, New Zealand vs Belgium, DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Panama vs England, Spain vs Cape Verde, Haiti vs Scotland, and Australia vs Turkey, with totals ranging from 14 to 16. The data was sourced from Squawka and published by Hupu Football News.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:24 AM UTC

Minnesota United officially announced the departure of Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez on Tuesday evening, just six months after his arrival. The MLS club had an option to extend his contract until December but chose not to activate it. Since joining in January, the 35-year-old former Real Madrid star played only eight matches for the Minneapolis franchise. Now a free agent, Rodriguez will be searching for the 14th club of his professional career. Despite a convincing performance with Colombia at the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16, his club situation remains fragile. Since leaving Bayern Munich in 2019, the playmaker has not stayed more than one season at any club, moving through eight different teams in seven years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:56 AM UTC

Minnesota United officially announced the departure of Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez on Tuesday evening, just six months after his arrival. The 35-year-old, who is now a free agent, had an option to extend his contract until December, but the club did not activate it. Since joining in January, Rodriguez played only eight matches for the Minneapolis team. His departure marks the 14th club of his professional career. Despite contributing to Colombia's run to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, his club career has been unstable, with no consecutive season at one club since his stint at Bayern Munich from 2017 to 2019. He has since moved through eight clubs in seven seasons. Rodriguez, a former Real Madrid star with 127 international caps and 34 goals for Colombia, now faces an uncertain future as he searches for a new team.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:27 AM UTC