Full Breakdown
Jaminton Campaz Receives Death Threats After Colombia’s World Cup Exit
7/12/2026, 12:32:24 PM
Core Event
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Colombia lost to Switzerland after a 0-0 draw and a 4-3 penalty-shootout defeat. Midfielder Jaminton Campaz, who plays for Argentine club Rosario Central, missed a late chance in extra time but successfully converted his spot-kick. In the days following the match, Campaz and several family members were subjected to death threats posted on social-media platforms. As a precaution, the 26-year-old did not board the team’s flight from Canada back to Colombia, and his whereabouts after the match remain unconfirmed.
Background & Context
The threats revived memories of the 1994 tragedy when defender Andrés Escobar was shot dead in Medellín days after scoring an own goal that contributed to Colombia’s early exit from the United States-hosted World Cup. That incident remains a painful reference point for Colombian football and underscores the seriousness of contemporary intimidation.
Data & Statistics
- Match: Switzerland vs Colombia, 2026 World Cup Round of 16.
- Regulation time and extra time: 0-0.
- Penalty shootout: Switzerland 4 – 3 Colombia.
- Campaz’s missed opportunity occurred in the final six minutes of extra time; he scored his penalty in the shootout.
- Age: 26 years; club: Rosario Central (Argentina).
Official Statements & Responses
The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) issued a formal condemnation, urging the Attorney General’s Office to launch a swift investigation, identify the perpetrators, and ensure prosecution. The federation emphasized that intimidation of athletes or their families is unacceptable and called on supporters to keep sporting disappointment from translating into real-world aggression.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators have described the fan backlash as “disgraceful” and “far more shameful” than a typical post-match disappointment, arguing that targeting a player for a missed chance ignores the collective nature of a penalty shootout. Critics stress that the episode threatens to repeat the 1994 violence and call for stronger societal condemnation of such threats.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Campaz’s exact location after he declined the return flight. Some reports state he may have traveled to the United States; others suggest he could have returned to Argentina, where he plays club football. No official confirmation of his whereabouts has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No athlete, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context,” — Colombian Football Federation (FCF)
- “Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope — never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence,” — Colombian Football Federation (FCF)
- “We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.” — Jaminton Campaz, midfielder
- “No player, nor their family or close associates, should have to endure fear, threats, or harassment for representing their country.” — Colombian Football Federation (FCF)
