WILL JEFFERSON LERMA PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

The Journey of a Colombian Warrior

Jefferson Lerma was born in 1994 in El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca, and from a young age showed extraordinary determination. His career began at Atlético Huila, but it was at Atlético de Cali (now Deportivo Cali) where he attracted attention for his intensity and ability to win back possession. His combative style took him to Europe, where he found his place among the most reliable midfielders of his generation.

From Valle del Cauca to the Premier League

In 2015, Lerma made the leap to Levante UD in Spain, a team that allowed him to demonstrate his potential in LaLiga. There, his physical presence and ability to break lines caught the eye of AFC Bournemouth, who paid around €30 million for his transfer in 2018, making him one of the most expensive Colombian players in history. In England, he earned the admiration of the fans for his commitment and character. Today, at Crystal Palace, he has established himself as a complete midfielder: he recovers possession, distributes the ball, and even scores important goals. He debuted with the Colombian national team in 2017. He participated in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He has played more than 35 international matches. He averages 2.3 recoveries per game in the Premier League. His market value is around 15 million euros. Lerma is synonymous with consistency. He has never been the most high-profile player, but he has always been one of the most reliable. His combative and disciplined style has made him indispensable both at club level and for the national team.

Does Jefferson Lerma have a realistic chance of making the 2026 World Cup squad?

At 31 years old for the 2026 World Cup, Jefferson Lerma is still in a mature stage of his career, with a privileged physique and invaluable experience. If he stays healthy, he has everything he needs to arrive at the World Cup as one of the key figures in the Colombian midfield. His role will not only be that of a destroyer, but also that of a guide for the new generation that is coming up strong.

His current performance in England

At Crystal Palace, Lerma has shown remarkable tactical evolution. He is no longer just a defensive midfielder: now he participates more in the build-up play, provides clean distribution, and even ventures into the opposition's penalty area. In the 2024/25 season he has started in 85% of the matches, with an average of 88% pass accuracy and an average of 10.8 kilometers covered per match. His physical strength remains impressive, and analysts highlight his ability to maintain a consistent level for the full 90 minutes. Matches played in 2024/25: 31. Average duels won: 67%. Balls recovered: 173. Assists: 4. Goals: 3. In the national team, Lerma continues to be a key player in Néstor Lorenzo's system. His versatility allows him to play both as a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder, providing balance between defense and attack. In the South American qualifiers, he has shown solidity, being key in matches against strong rivals like Brazil and Uruguay. Competition and leadership in the national team. While competition in the Colombian midfield is high—with players like Wilmar Barrios, Mateus Uribe, Richard Ríos, and Kevin Castaño—Lerma has remained a fixture thanks to his reliability. Furthermore, his calm yet firm leadership makes him an example within the locker room. The younger players respect him for his professionalism and dedication. He's the kind of footballer who, even when he's not scoring goals, leaves his mark on every play and transmits energy to the team. Therefore, barring unforeseen circumstances, Jefferson Lerma has a very good chance of being part of the squad that travels to the 2026 World Cup. His international experience and competitive mentality are assets that any coach would want in their team.

Interesting Facts, Style, and Legacy of Jefferson Lerma

Beyond his role on the field, Lerma has a reserved, humble, and focused personality. He doesn't seek the spotlight, but his performance always speaks for itself. His nickname in England is "The Engine" because he never stops running and is tireless. In Colombia, fans associate him with the "workhorse player," the one who silently works for the good of the team.

Interesting facts about the midfielder

• Lerma was only sent off three times in his entire professional career, despite his intense style.

• He is a cycling enthusiast and practices it as a complementary training activity.

• His favorite song before matches is "La Rebelión" by Joe Arroyo.

• He has a foundation in El Cerrito to support underprivileged children.

• His football idol is Freddy Rincón, whom he considers his role model of dedication and Leadership. As for his legacy, Jefferson Lerma represents the evolution of the modern Colombian midfielder: strong, disciplined, and tactically intelligent. He doesn't rely on flashy plays, but on effectiveness. His influence at Crystal Palace and with the national team has been constant, demonstrating that consistency and effort are worth more than headlines. What might come after the World Cup? Looking ahead, Lerma could extend his career for a few more years in Europe or return to South America to finish his career at a Colombian club. He has also been linked to the idea of ​​studying coaching, something that doesn't sound far-fetched given his tactical vision and leadership. In any case, his story is already an inspiration: a young man from Valle del Cauca who, through hard work and sacrifice, conquered the most demanding leagues on the planet. In conclusion, Jefferson Lerma not only has a real chance of playing in the 2026 World Cup, but he also represents the essence of the modern Colombian footballer: resilient, tactical, and passionate. If Colombia qualifies, it will be difficult to imagine the final roster without him. And if they do, the fans will be able to enjoy one of the most complete and committed midfielders the country has produced in recent years.