MIAMI — Jáminton Campaz, an attacking midfielder and left winger for Colombia’s national team, denounced death threats on Thursday.
Campaz, 26, who lives in Argentina, didn’t return to his native Tumaco, a port city on the Pacific Coast, or to Ibagué, a city where he still has family, to take a much-needed break.
There were threatening social media posts after Colombia’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“We may think differently or feel frustration or sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear,” Campaz wrote in Spanish in a statement on Instagram.
Campaz, who also plays for the Argentine Primera División Club Rosario Central, played for Colombia’s national team during three World Cup matches.
“I dreamed of defending Colombia’s colors, hearing the anthem, representing millions of people, and scoring a goal in a World Cup since I was a child,” Campaz wrote in Spanish. “Today, I can only thank God for allowing me to fulfill that dream.”
On June 17, Campaz came on as a substitute during a group-stage match against Uzbekistan. Campaz scored a 99th-minute goal to seal a 3-1 victory.
On July 3, Campaz was a late substitute during the 1-0 round of 32 win against Ghana. On July 7, as a second-half substitute, Campaz missed a goal during the round of 16 match against Switzerland.
“I share the pain of this elimination. We, too, dreamed of advancing further, and I know the sadness we feel today as Colombians. I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for,” Campaz wrote. “I want you to know that there was never a lack of dedication, commitment, or love for this jersey. I gave everything I had on the pitch, and I would do it a thousand times over for my country.”
Campaz scored his penalty before Switzerland won the 4-3 shootout, and Colombia was eliminated.
“Soccer is also made of difficult moments. Today, all that remains is to learn, pick yourself up, and keep working to come back stronger,” Campaz wrote.
During one of Colombia’s most violent periods, illegal sports gambling put life-threatening pressure on professional soccer players.
After Colombia’s elimination from the 1994 FIFA World Cup, a gunman shot and killed Colombian soccer star Andrés Escobar on July 2, 1994, in Medellín.
Escobar had scored an own goal during a World Cup group-stage match against the U.S. on June 22, 1994, in Pasadena, California.
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TOURNAMENT’S SCHEDULE
Quarterfinals
July 10
Belgium vs. Spain at 3 p.m.
July 11
- Norway vs. England is at 5 p.m.
- Switzerland vs. Argentina is at 9 p.m.
Sunrise watch party: The indoor Amerant Bank Arena is hosting a free watch party for ticket holders at 5 p.m. on July 11. Parking is free.
Related link: View the knockout bracket
Semifinals
July 14: France plays a semi-final match at 3 p.m.
Miami Beach watch party: Doors open at 3 p.m. on July 14 at The Bandshell, at 7275 Collins Ave., for the semifinal match.
July 15: There is a semi-final match at 3 p.m.
Miami Beach watch party: Doors open at 3 p.m. on July 15 at The Bandshell, at 7275 Collins Ave., for the semifinal match.
Finals
July 18: The third-place play-off match is at 5 p.m. at the Miami Stadium, better known as the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Miami Beach watch party: Doors open at 3 p.m. on July 18 at The Sandbowl, behind The Bandshell, at 7275 Collins Ave., for the 5 p.m. bronze final.
Sunrise ride to stadium: The Amerant Bank Arena has free parking for FIFA World Cup ticket holders who ride Broward County’s free Express bus transportation to the Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock, in Miami Gardens.
July 19: The final match is at 3 p.m.
Miami Beach watch party: Doors open at 1 p.m. on July 19 at The Sandbowl, behind The Bandshell, at 7275 Collins Ave., for the 3 p.m. final.
Sunrise watch party: The indoor Amerant Bank Arena is hosting a free watch party for ticket holders for the final on July 19. Parking is free.
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