MIAMI — Colombia’s World Cup journey has transformed into a celebration not just of its soccer team but also of its Trump-endorsed president-elect.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing newcomer in politics and a former defense lawyer and businessman who goes by “El Tigre,” narrowly defeated a left-wing senator recently, marking a shift in Colombia’s leadership from far-left to hard-right. De la Espriella campaigned on a strict law-and-order agenda, promising to halt outgoing left-wing President Gustavo Petro’s dialogues with armed groups. He also plans to construct mega-prisons, drawing inspiration from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, another Trump-backed leader in Latin America.
Fans interviewed by POLITICO outside the Miami stadium before a critical match against Portugal were confident that de la Espriella would rejuvenate Colombia.
“With de la Espriella’s victory, there will be no more corruption, no more guerrilla, there will be security … it’s gonna be great,” stated Hugo, a 62-year-old Miami resident originally from Bogotá. Alonso, 42, from Ibagué, added, “Just give him one year, and you will see the new Colombia,” arguing that the election was much closer than official results suggested and expressing optimism about the partnership between Trump and de la Espriella for Colombia’s future.
The Colombian soccer team’s bright-yellow jersey has been a prominent symbol in downtown Miami and became a focal point during the campaign, as de la Espriella donned it to emphasize his commitment to restoring security, reducing the size of the state, and fostering economic growth through deregulation.
Outside Miami’s World Cup stadium, Juan from Cartagena expressed approval of de la Espriella wearing the jersey, saying it represented his patriotic campaign to save the country and inspire hope among citizens.
A Bogotá judge prohibited de la Espriella and his movement, Defensores de la Patria (Defenders of the Homeland), from using or displaying the jersey for campaign purposes. The left-wing candidate, Iván Cepeda, criticized this use, stating, “The Colombian national team belongs to all Colombians. Its use for electoral, personal, and ideological purposes is a clearly opportunistic act, the legal implications of which must be examined.”
When asked by POLITICO post-match about the president-elect wearing the jersey, Colombian coach Néstor Lorenzo commented, “Football is played in a very passionate way in South America. I think that all the presidents, the South American countries, live in that passion. It is a way for us to identify, beyond the flag, the shirt that represents the most beautiful sport of all. The president wants to show, surely, that he is a real citizen.”
Only one supporter in yellow expressed skepticism about de la Espriella, shaking his head and remarking “it’s crazy” what’s happening in Colombia, before refusing further political discussion or to provide his name.
The Trump administration has welcomed de la Espriella, with Trump himself describing him as a “Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader.” During the Miami game on Saturday, two senior U.S. officials — Secretary of State Marco Rubio and FBI Director Kash Patel — attended the event alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The last time Colombia competed in the World Cup in the United States, it ended in tragedy.
Defender Andrés Escobar inadvertently scored an own goal against the U.S. at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and was later murdered outside a nightclub upon his return to Colombia, which was still plagued by violence from guerrilla groups and criminal organizations.
In 2026, Colombia’s national team is performing significantly better than in 1994, advancing easily to the second round. Yet political unrest continues domestically, where a contentious election—culminating in a June 21 runoff between de la Espriella and Cepeda—was marred by an assassination, bombings, and kidnappings.
The threat of violence, including that connected to soccer, remains a constant in Colombia. The father of prominent soccer player Luis Díaz was kidnapped by far-left guerrillas in late 2023 and was only released after 13 days.
As Colombia mistakenly celebrated a late goal against Portugal, the live broadcast captured a jubilant supporter wearing a red Defensores de la Patria hat.
