Colombia are considered to be the third best team in the CONMEBOL region, despite the last World Cup qualifying when they finished sixth in the group. Colombia's greatest success came in the 2001 Copa America when they hosted the competition and beat Mexico in the final.

Colombia have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. Their attempts to qualify for the 2006 tournament got off to a terrible start and they only picked up 1 point from their first four games. Despite a strong finish they ended up missing out on a playoff place by one point.