The highly anticipated World Cup qualifier between Bolivia and Colombia is set to take place on Thursday, October 10, at the Municipal Stadium El Alto in Bolivia. This match is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1. The High Altitude Challenge
One of the most significant challenges for Bolivia is the high altitude of their new home stadium, which stands at 4,150 meters above sea level. This elevation is even higher than the previous stadium in La Paz, requiring players to adapt quickly to the thinner air. The new stadium, aptly named Estadio Municipal de El Alto, presents a unique obstacle for both teams, particularly for Bolivia's visitors who struggle with the high altitude.
Bolivia has been on a terrible away run, with their recent victory over Chile being their first in an away qualifier since 1993. However, at home, they have shown resilience, and this match will be a test of their ability to perform under extreme conditions.
2. Colombia's Strong Showing
Colombia, on the other hand, has been performing exceptionally well in their World Cup qualifying campaign. They have won four and drawn seven of their eight games so far, placing them second in the CONMEBOL qualification table. The team boasts top talent like Liverpool's Luis Diaz, making them a formidable opponent for Bolivia.
Colombia's strong showing at the recent Copa America has also bolstered their confidence ahead of this crucial match. With only Argentina ahead of them in the qualification table, Colombia cannot afford to slip up if they hope to secure a spot in the World Cup.
3. Controversy Over Spying Allegations
The match has been marred by controversy as Colombia's national team head coach, Nestor Lorenzo, accused Bolivia of spying on his team ahead of the match. Lorenzo claimed that they identified an individual who was spying on them and have photographic evidence to support their claim. The Colombian Football Federation has announced that they will file a formal complaint about the incident.
Bolivian national team head coach Oscar Villegas responded by suggesting that the Bolivian press were helping Colombia prepare for the match by sharing information. This exchange highlights the tension between the two teams as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter.
This incident is not an isolated one; it follows a similar case involving Canada Soccer, which was fined $313,000 and deducted six points from their Olympic squad after using drones to spy on opponents.
4. How to Watch the Match
Fans can watch the Bolivia vs Colombia live stream from anywhere in the world using a VPN. For those in Colombia, the match is available for free on Caracol Play. In the U.S., fans can watch it on Fanatiz, which requires a PPV Qualifiers bundle costing $99.99. In the U.K. and other countries, the match is accessible via Bet365 without needing to place a bet.
The match is set to begin at 9 p.m. BST / 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 7 a.m. AEST on October 10.
