Jaminton Campaz Skips Colombia’s Return Flight After Death Threats Following FIFA World Cup 2026 Exit

Colombia forward Jaminton Campaz reportedly did not travel back with the national team after their FIFA World Cup elimination, with fresh reports suggesting he stayed behind as a precaution following death threats in the wake of the loss to Switzerland.

The development comes a day after the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) publicly condemned the abuse directed at Campaz and his family and urged authorities to investigate those responsible.

Colombia's World Cup Ends In Penalty Heartbreak

Colombia's campaign ended on Tuesday with a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16. Campaz, who plays his club football for Argentine side Rosario Central, missed a golden chance to win the match in the closing minutes of extra time, firing over the crossbar with the score still level. He recovered to score his penalty in the shootout, but Colombia lost 4-3 and were eliminated. Jayden Adams, Who Was Part of South Africa Squad at FIFA World Cup 2026, Dies Aged 25.

Campaz Reportedly Missing From Squad's Return Flight

According to Argentine outlet Infobae, Campaz did not board the squad's return flight from Vancouver to Bogota on Thursday due to safety concerns following a wave of online abuse and death threats. Senior players including James Rodriguez, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Fernando Quintero returned home with the rest of the squad, but Campaz was reportedly absent. It remains unclear whether he stayed in the United States or travelled separately to Argentina. Gabriel Muresan Dies: Former Romania International and Serving Mayor of Apold Passes Away After Drowning.

Campaz Appeals To Fans Not To Let Disappointment Turn Into Hatred

Following days of sustained online harassment, Campaz restricted comments on his social media accounts before posting an emotional message to supporters. He wrote that no passion could justify hatred or fear, and asked fans not to lose sight of respect.

He also reflected on fulfilling a childhood dream of representing Colombia at a World Cup, thanked his family and supporters, and expressed regret at not being able to advance further for the country, while insisting he had held nothing back on the pitch.

Federation Condemns Threats, Calls For Investigation

The FCF issued a statement on Friday condemning the threats made against Campaz and those close to him, calling on the Attorney General's Office to identify and prosecute those responsible. The federation said football should be a space for unity and respect rather than intimidation and violence.

Echoes Of Andres Escobar Tragedy

The episode has drawn comparisons to one of Colombian football's darkest chapters, the murder of defender Andres Escobar days after he returned home from the 1994 World Cup, following an own goal in a defeat to the United States. There is no suggestion Campaz faces a similar threat, but the reports underline the seriousness of the abuse that followed Colombia's exit, with focus now on identifying those responsible.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2026 09:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).