For all the talk of transition, Colombia appear to be trusting the players who have carried the national side through its biggest recent moments.
That balance makes sense. James still offers rhythm and final-ball quality, while Díaz brings the vertical threat Colombia need when matches become stretched. Around them, names such as Jefferson Lerma, Juan Fernando Quintero and Jhon Córdoba give the squad a recognisable spine.
The report says Colombia finished third in South American qualifying with 28 points, behind Argentina and Ecuador. That tells the story of a campaign that had authority but not complete smoothness.
Its strongest stretches reportedly included:
There were rough patches too, including a slowdown in the second half of the campaign. That may be the useful warning before a World Cup: Colombia can compete with elite opponents, but they still need consistency across a full month.
The update says Colombia will open against Uzbekistan on 17 June in Mexico City, then face DR Congo in Guadalajara, before closing the group against Portugal on 27 June in Miami.
That order matters. The first two games appear to offer a chance to build momentum. The meeting with Portugal could shape the group’s ceiling.
Colombia’s next storyline is clear: can this experienced core turn a strong qualifying campaign into a serious tournament run, and can James and Díaz drive them beyond the group stage?