Croatia Vs Colombia, International Friendly 2026: Kockasti Win Their First Ever Meeting With South Americans

Colombia’s impressive unbeaten run under Néstor Lorenzo finally came to an end in Orlando as Croatia secured a 2-1 victory. The South Americans ignited the crowd early when Jhon Arias found the net in just the third minute. However, the lead was short-lived as Luka Vuskovic equalized with a stunning strike from outside the area only three minutes later. Just before the break, Igor Matanovic capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Camilo Vargas to head home the winner. Despite high-intensity pressure and numerous substitutions in the second half, Colombia couldn't find a way past the disciplined Croatian defence. Watch some of the best pictures below.

Updated on: 27 March 2026 1:11 pm

Published at: 27 March 2026 1:11 pm

Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Dominik Livakovic

Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, center, punches the ball away from the goal during the second half of an international friendly soccer game in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Marin Pongracic

Croatia defender Marin Pongracic (3) and Colombia defender Deiver MacHado (9) go for the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer game, in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Toni Fruk

Croatia midfielder Toni Fruk (19) and Colombia forward Luis Díaz (23) head the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer game, in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Rafael Borré

Colombia forward Rafael Borré (22) kicks the ball against Croatia during the second half of an international friendly soccer game in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia defender Marin Pongracic, left, is defended by Colombia forward Andres Gomez (26) during the second half of an international friendly soccer game in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Igor Matanovic

Croatia forward Igor Matanovic, left, and Colombia defender Johan Mojica (7) fight for the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer game, in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Ivan Perisic

Croatia forward Ivan Perisic (21) brings the ball down the pitch against Colombia defender Yerson Mosquera (11) during the second half of an international friendly soccer game, in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Andrej Kramaric

Croatia forward Andrej Kramaric (22) drives the ball by Colombia defender Jhon Lucumí (10) during the first half of an international friendly soccer game in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Nikola Vlasic

Croatia midfielder Nikola Vlasic (13) controls the ball against Colombia defender Santiago Arias (6) during the first half of an international friendly soccer game, in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Croatia players

Croatia players celebrate after goal against Colombia during the first half of an international friendly soccer game, in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski

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Croatia Vs Colombia International Friendly 2026 soccer match-Yerson Mosquera

Colombia defender Yerson Mosquera, center, celebrates after scoring a goal as Croatia midfielder Lovro Majer (15) and forward Petar Musa (24) walk away during the first half of an international friendly soccer game in Orlando, Florida. | Photo: AP/Kevin Kolczynski