Has Colombia’s World Cup jersey become a right-wing symbol?

For subscribers

Supporters of far-right candidate for president of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, during a rally in the city of Medellin, Colombia, on May 24.

PHOTO: RIOS ESCOBAR/NYTIMES

Luis Ferre-Sadurni and Annie Correal

Published Jun 05, 2026, 09:21 AM

Updated Jun 05, 2026, 09:21 AM

BOGOTA, Colombia – Just days before the World Cup, thousands of Colombians across the country emerged wearing the national team’s soccer jersey, turning the streets into a sea of bright yellow.

But Colombians were not out en masse to cheer the country’s beloved soccer team. They were voting on May 31 for Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing presidential candidate who had urged supporters to wear the jersey during the final days of his campaign.

See more on