Colombian midfielder Jaminton Campaz missed a penalty. Then he had to flee the country.
After Colombia’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a knockout-stage loss to Switzerland, Campaz received death threats targeting both him and his family. The Colombian Football Federation condemned the threats on July 10, 2026, and called on the Attorney General’s office to launch an immediate investigation. Campaz, rather than flying home with his teammates, chose to remain in the United States for his own safety.
From hero to target in three weeks
The cruel irony of Campaz’s situation is hard to overstate. On June 17, 2026, he scored Colombia’s latest-ever World Cup goal in a match against Uzbekistan, instantly becoming a national sensation. Three weeks later, he was in hiding.
The FCF’s public statement was unambiguous. No athlete or their family should face intimidation because of what happens on a pitch. The federation’s appeal to the Attorney General signals that authorities believe these threats may have substance, potentially tied to organized criminal networks rather than just angry fans venting on social media.
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