Nicknamed ‘El Viejo Willy’ (The Old Willy), Ortiz possessed exceptional skill—comparable in stature to Lionel Messi and as lethal as Cristiano Ronaldo. He made a lasting impact in Colombian soccer, though he never played for an international club or in a World Cup.

Ortiz is an outgoing and charismatic figure, full of soccer stories. Firm in his beliefs, he shared his perspectives on James Rodriguez in an exclusive interview with Bolavip, during an event created by DirecTV leading up to the World Cup.

Beyond discussing Colombia’s prospects in the tournament, Ortiz addressed James’ move to the MLS, considering it a ‘mistake’ for the Colombian star to join Minnesota United.

James made a ‘mistake’ by joining Minnesota United

Bolavip: Do you think it was a mistake for James Rodriguez to play in the United States before the World Cup, knowing the coach didn’t really want him?

Willington Ortiz: I think the mistake is when a coach doesn’t want you and you still go to that team. You’re not part of his group or the players he trusts, so he’s not going to play you because you’re not his choice. That’s the mistake.

Colombia won’t rely solely on James

Bolavip: What do you think is really going to happen in this World Cup? Do you think these friendlies are a real test, or are they just to measure strength?

Ortiz: Well, friendlies are a test and you have to measure strength, but when friendlies are played close to the final stages, when the competition is about to start, they are very risky and complicated. Why? Because a soccer player doesn’t perform the same way when there’s still a long time left as when there’s very little time left. And if you play against a strong national team, you can lose, you can win, or you can draw. That’s what happens in a soccer game.

I believe the Colombia national team has elite players—there are top-10 players competing in tournaments like the Champions League that’s being played now, and in South American competitions like the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana. So, we have the players.

I think the coach has options and can build a system that works, whether we have James or not, because everyone is worried since James isn’t playing. He’s at a club where the coach doesn’t want him, didn’t bring him in, so he doesn’t play—just a few minutes. It’s not serious, disrespecting a player of his caliber.

It’s complicated, but Colombia have very good players, and I think people need to be patient because we have a good team and will put in a very strong performance at the World Cup.

Ortiz’s prediction for Colombia in the World Cup

Bolavip: Speaking of that strong performance, how far do you think Colombia will go?

Ortiz: I think they’ll be in the top eight. I believe they’ll make the quarterfinals. This team has what it takes, has very good players, and I think it can reach the top eight.

Bolavip: Which player do you think needs to be in top condition to lead the team into those top eight? Or do you think it’s more of a collective effort?

Ortiz: It has to be collective. A soccer team is collective—it has to be. You can’t rely on just one player. Because if a striker is doing well and scoring, but the defense is poor and concedes two goals, you lose and it’s useless. So everyone has to perform well, and all the players we have are elite. I think we have a very good team.

Colombia’s best player and World Cup nostalgia

Bolavip: Speaking about the current form of these Colombian players, and considering you’ve been described as one of, if not the best, in Colombia, who do you think is the nation’s best player right now?

Ortiz: Right now, it’s Luis Diaz. He’s the one performing best. Hopefully he stays healthy, arrives at the World Cup in good shape, and helps us have a strong performance.

Bolavip: Considering what you said about not having had the chance to play in a World Cup, when you watch past World Cups and Colombia’s performances, do you feel anything in particular?

Ortiz: Of course, there’s a sense of sadness because you do everything possible to get there, and sometimes you just can’t. Time passes, and you didn’t get the chance, so it brings a feeling of nostalgia.

World Cup predictions and Messi-Ronaldo’s farewell

Bolavip: Let’s talk about favorites to win the World Cup. Which teams do you think are the strongest candidates?

Ortiz: There are about three teams I see as favorites: Spain, France, and Germany. Those three.

Bolavip: And finally, talking about two major players who are nearing the end of their international careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—do you think Argentina, with Messi, or Portugal, have a chance to go far in this World Cup?

Ortiz: Historically, teams don’t repeat as champions every four years—at least I don’t think they have. Argentina play very well, and Messi is excellent, but I don’t think they’ll repeat as champions. I think it will be someone else. As for Portugal with Cristiano, they have a very good team. They could get close, because they still have that ambition—they haven’t won it yet. Argentina already have, twice.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH WILLINGTON ORTIZ ON BOLAVIP US:

Currently, James is on his stint in the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and in the last match, he was a standout performer. At the end of the game, the Cucuta native referred to this match and his feelings.

“I felt very good, for it being my first match here, I was good,” James said. “It is a shame that we lost, but a match is not how much is left, but how much you influence on the field. We have had chances, we have to keep going on this path, on Tuesday we have a match in the Cup and we have to go out in a very good way.“

For his part, when he was asked about his condition ahead of the World Cup: “Good, I will arrive well, I will arrive in a very good way. There is one month left and I am training well, at the maximum, at full as I have always done and whatever I get to play here will help me.”

James’ performance

James Rodriguez was the standout player for Minnesota in the game against LAFC, which ended in a 0-1 loss. This was the first match as a starter for the Colombian in MLS, as he had already started in the US Open Cup against Sacramento.

The ‘10’ had an exceptional performance, which showed that he was increasingly adapting and gaining rhythm. He had two shots on target, delivered 5 key passes, and created a big scoring chance for Yeboah that was missed.

James’ calculations for the World Cup

James Rodriguez seemed to have everything calculated, despite the concern that existed in Colombia about the limited minutes he had been accumulating since his arrival in MLS. “There are 6 matches left before going to the World Cup and I am good, whatever I get to play, whether it is a lot or a little, I will do it in a very good way,” he said.

Finally, he thanked the support from the Minnesota fans, who were able to see him shine for the first time. “The support from all of them is nice, that means that I have done things well in my career, in soccer and their support, which comes from the heart, is something beautiful,” he stated.

France‘s decision to have Mbappe out of the starting lineup has nothing to do with health concerns. Instead, Didier Deschamps is looking to give the rest of the squad an opportunity to showcase themselves in the last friendly of the FIFA international break in March.

The French national team will put together a completely different lineup from it’s last outing, when Mbappe propelled France past Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Every player that started that game will now be on the bench, and Mbappe is no exception. Still, the French star could make his way to the field if his team needs him against Colombia.

Mbappe’s stats with national team

According to Transfermarkt, Mbappe has played 95 games for France’s senior team, scoring 56 goals for “Les Bleus”. Most likely, he will play his 100th game for France during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Mbappe chases his second world championship and his country’s third.

Mbappe set to welcome new coach

So far in his career, Mbappe has only had one manager at the international level. With Deschamps set to leave France after the World Cup, Mbappe is in for a new experience when a new manager takes over the French national team.

According to a report from ESPN, Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to be the next manager, meaning two of the best players to ever represent France could soon be working together in a player-coach dynamic.

Colombia tried to respond after going down early, pressing high and creating a few chances, including a strong opportunity for Luis Diaz that was blocked by Jonathan Lacroix. France’s defense held firm, while the French attack remained dangerous on counters.

The match also saw key substitutions, including the introduction of Kylian Mbappe for France, who tested Colombia’s backline. Colombia will take lessons from this friendly ahead of upcoming fixtures, while France leaves Northwest Stadium confident and prepared for future challenges in the World Cup.

[Watch Colombia vs France online in the US on Fubo]

A marquee international friendly clash is on deck as Colombia looks to rebound from a 2-1 setback against Croatia, stepping into a far tougher test against France. Led by star winger Luis Diaz, Colombia aims to regain momentum.

However, the challenge won’t get any bigger than this against World Cup runner-up France, who enters fresh off a statement 2-1 win over Brazil and continues to look every bit like a title contender behind Kylian Mbappe, who is starting on the bench today against Colombia.

When will the Colombia vs France match be played?

Colombia take on France in a 2026 friendly game this Sunday, March 29, with the match kicking off at 3:00 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Colombia vs France and don’t miss a single thing!

Colombia vs France: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Colombia vs France in the USA

This Friendly clash between Colombia and France will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes.

Momentum is split heading into this afternoon’s kickoff: Colombia are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Croatia, while France arrive brimming with confidence following a dominant victory over Brazil.

All eyes would be on James Rodriguez. The Colombian captain remains the focal point of Nestor Lorenzo’s squad, despite a quiet outing against Croatia.

Confirmed lineups for Colombia and France

In addition to the creativity of James and Luis Diaz, Lorenzo is making a change between the posts. Alvaro Montero will replace Camilo Vargas, whose costly error led to Croatia’s second goal last match.

Colombia: Montero; Munoz, Sanchez, Cabal, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez.

Didier Deschamps tinkered much with the XI that dismantled Brazil. The were several changes in defense, where Lucas Digne will step in for Lucas Hernandez. Also, one of the surprises is Kylian Mbappe not starting today as Deschamps is rotating players against Colombia.

France: Samba; Kalulu,, Lacroix, T. Hernandez, Digne; Kante, Zaire-Emery; Akilouche, Cherki, Doue; Thuran.

H2H: Colombia vs France

This marks the fourth friendly meeting between these two nations. France took the first two encounters with a narrow 1-0 win, but Colombia famously stunned the French at the Parc des Princes with a 3-2 comeback victory in their last meeting.

Colombia dominated the ball with 60% possession and several promising attacks, yet Croatia proved more clinical, converting two of their key opportunities. Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez had moments of brilliance for Colombia, while Dominik Livakovic made several important saves to keep the European side ahead.

In the closing stages, Colombia pushed hard for an equalizer, generating dangerous free kicks and crosses into the box. Despite their pressure and substitutions to add attacking options, Croatia held firm to secure the 2-1 victory. Both teams will take lessons from the encounter as they continue their World Cup preparations.

[Watch Colombia vs Croatia live in the USA on Fubo]

Colombia come into this match after a strong CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, finishing third with 28 points, only behind Argentina and Ecuador. They have shown consistency and competitiveness, and in their last outing, they secured a convincing 3-0 win over Australia in a friendly, leaving a positive impression on both ends of the field.

Croatia, meanwhile, are preparing for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, having finished second and third in 2018 and 2022. Zlatko Dalic’s squad, still led by 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, qualified dominantly by topping UEFA Group L with a six-point margin, winning seven of eight matches.

Colombia confirmed lineup

Nestor Lorenzo will go with a strong lineup for this friendly, using it as an important test ahead of what is to come. He will rely on the strong form of forward Luis Diaz, who is enjoying an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich, while captain James Rodriguez is set to reach his 123rd international appearance. However, they have a notable absence, as defender Yerry Mina is not part of the squad.

In addition to Yerry Mina, Portilla and Asprilla were not called up. Colombia will line up as follows: Camilo Vargas; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez; Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez.

Croatia confirmed lineup

Croatia also arrive with important absences and hope to have those players available for the World Cup. Still, they are expected to adjust accordingly, as Gvardiol and Kovacic are out due to injury.

Croatia will line up as follows: Dominik Livakovic; Nikola Vlasic, Igor Matanovic, Martin Erlic, Mario Pongracic; Nikola Moro, Petar Sucic, Luka Vuskovic, Mario Pasalic; Ivan Perisic, Marco Pasalic.

[Watch Colombia vs Croatia online in the US on Fubo]

After a great UEFA WC qualifiers, Croatia continues to build toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup with confidence following a string of impressive global performances, using this matchup to uphold its high standard against a strong CONMEBOL side

Colombia, on the other hand, looks to steady the ship after inconsistent results in CONMEBOL WC Qualifiers by regaining rhythm and refining its squad—making this an intriguing international clash you won’t want to miss.

When will the Colombia vs Croatia match be played?

Colombia play against Croatia in a 2026 friendly game this Thursday, March 26, with the match kicking off at 7:30 PM (ET).

Colombia vs Croatia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Colombia vs Croatia in the USA

This Friendly clash between Colombia and Croatia will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, FS2 and ViX.

After rough opening performances, Argentina and Colombia are desperate to steady the ship as tournament play continues. The Albiceleste were stunned 2-0 by the United States in a result few saw coming.

Meanwhile, Colombia had tougher debut, surrendering a 4-1 loss to Canada. With both sides searching for their first points and momentum at stake, expect a high-intensity showdown as each team looks to get its campaign back on track.

When will the Argentina vs Colombia match be played?

Argentina will face Colombia in the Matchday 2 of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup this Wednesday, March 4, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM (ET).

Argentina vs Colombia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Argentina vs Colombia in the USA

Don’t miss a single minute of this 2026 SheBelieves Cup clash between Argentina and Colombia live in the United States on UNIVERSO, truTV USA and HBO Max.

Brazil U20 couldn’t have scripted a better start to the final stage, rolling past Paraguay U20 3-1 to seize the early lead in the standings on goal difference over Ecuador U20. The dominant performance underscored their attacking quality and put the rest of the field on notice.

Now they’ll look to stay on top against a Colombia U20 side coming off a loss to Ecuador and desperate for a win to keep its championship hopes alive, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash.

When will the Colombia U20 vs Brazil U20 match be played?

Colombia U20 take on Brazil U20 in the Matchday 2 of the 2026 CONMEBOL U20 Women’s Sudamericano final stage this Thursday, February 19, with kickoff set for 6:00 PM (ET).

Colombia U20 vs Brazil U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

How to watch Colombia U20 vs Brazil U20 in the USA

Catch this 2026 CONMEBOL U20 Women’s Sudamericano clash between Colombia U20 and Brazil U20 live in the United States on ViX.