Did you realize the 2026 Women’s Libertadores finally wrapped up, giving Colombian clubs a chance at glory? The tournament featured Deportivo Cali, runners‑up in 2025, and Independiente Santa Fe, second in 2021 and 2024.
Deportivo Cali fell in the quarter‑finals to Olimpia after a heartbreaking loss, while Santa Fe fought into the semis only to be undone by Corinthians, settling for third after a dramatic 4‑3 comeback against Olimpia.
The final pitted Corinthians against Cruzeiro, yet four Colombians took the field – two on each side – ensuring the nation’s flag flew high as the cup changed hands later that night.
THE TWO COLOMBIAN PLAYERS WHO CLAIMED THE TITLE
Cruzeiro snapped Corinthians’ three‑year streak, ending their 2023‑25 dominance and chasing a seventh overall title. The Belo Horizonte side struck back when the Brazilian giants led 4‑2.
With fifteen minutes left, Cruzeiro scored their third, and deep‑time added a fourth in stoppage time, forcing a penalty shootout. Lorena Bedoya for Cruzeiro and Gisela Robledo for Corinthians both missed their spot‑kicks.
Robledo entered in the second half and later stepped up in the shootout, following Bedoya’s miss. Her attempt hit the post, and Camila Gomes kept the net safe for the champions.
On the bench, penalty specialist Paola García saw no minutes for Corinthians, while Gabriela Rodríguez remained unused for Cruzeiro despite both being Colombian internationals alongside Bedoya and Robledo.
Even without a Colombian club winning, the players kept the conversation alive. Bedoya and Rodríguez lifted the trophy; Robledo and García fell short. For my view, Colombia’s talent is reshaping South American women’s football.
Will Ángelo Marsiglia include the Libertadores finalists in his next call‑ups?
In November, the final FIFA window arrives for Colombia’s national team, facing Australia on the 28th and again on December 2 in Canberra and Victoria. Coach Ángelo Marsiglia will likely tap the Libertadores finalists for those friendlies.
Marsiglia usually calls three of the four finalists. It’s probable that champions Gabriela Rodríguez and Lorena Bedoya, plus runner‑up Gisela Robledo, will make the squad.
Paola García hasn’t been summoned recently despite strong BetPlay performances with Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali, and she remains out of the Corinthians lineup as well.