JOSÉ MANUEL VALLADARES

Goalkeeper Brayan Cortes of Chile's Colo Colo confronts fans who invaded the field during a Copa Libertadores Group E soccer match against Brazil's Fortaleza at the Monumental stadium in Santiago, Chile, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Two fans die in Chile before a Copa Libertadores match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza
Two fans died before the start of a Copa Libertadores match between the host Colo Colo and Fortaleza of Brazil near Santiago’s estadio Monumental, a local prosecutor said.
 
Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates scoring a penalty, his side's second goal, against Argentina during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Colombia edges Argentina 2-1, Brazil loses to Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying
Two South American soccer powerhouses have lost in World Cup qualifying in the absence of their biggest stars, with Lionel Messi missing Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia and Neymar on the sidelines for Brazil’s upset defeat in Paraguay.
 
Parents of Colombia's soccer player Luiz Diaz, Luis Manuel Díaz, right, and Cinelis Marulanda , holds their hands in prayer before the start a qualifying soccer match between Colombia and Brazil for the FIFA World Cup 2026, at the Roberto Melendez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The father of Liverpool striker Luis Díaz was released Thursday by members of a guerrilla group who kidnapped him in northern Colombia, the government announced, ending a 12-day ordeal for the family. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
After kidnapping, father of Colombia striker Luis Díaz celebrates son’s goals vs. Brazil
Days after he was released by kidnappers, the father of Colombia striker Luis Díaz was in tears after he watched his son score both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match.
 
Colombia's Daniela Arias celebrates at the end of the Women's World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Jamaica and Colombia in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
Colombia wakes up to momentous victory at Women’s World Cup
It was before sunrise in Colombia when the celebrations began. Catalina Usme’s goal at the Women’s World Cup in Melbourne — 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) away — helped Colombia beat Jamaica 1-0 and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time.