Batista Leaves Navas Out as Colombia - Costa Rica Begins 2026 Tune-Up
Costa Rica opened colombia - costa rica in Bogota without Keylor Navas, after Fernando Batista left the veteran goalkeeper out of the squad for the friendly at Estadio El Campin. Patrick Sequeira started in goal, and the choice pointed directly to a rotation phase as Costa Rica tries to find its next leaders.
Batista Turns to Sequeira
Sequeira, 27, made his 19th appearance for Costa Rica against Colombia. The Casa Pia goalkeeper replaced Navas in a match that carried more selection value than scoreboard value, because Batista used the trip to test alternatives in a position long tied to one of the team’s most recognizable players.
Navas will turn 40 on December 15, a milestone that fits the context of Batista’s decision more than any injury concern. The manager’s move was tied to identifying the next leaders of the national team, and the omission was made before kickoff rather than in response to a late problem.
Casa Pia And The Depth Chart
Sequeira’s recent club season adds some weight to the decision. Casa Pia finished 16th in the 2025-26 Primeira Liga, allowing 45 goals and recording 7 clean sheets in 29 league matches, which gives Costa Rica a look at a goalkeeper who has handled regular first-division minutes in Portugal.
That matters in a squad trying to move past a failed 2026 World Cup qualification run and sharpen the next wave of leaders. Navas remains a three-time UEFA Champions League champion, but Batista’s message in Bogota was clear: reputation alone is not enough to guarantee the starting spot in this phase.
June 10 In Orlando
Costa Rica will travel to the United States after the Colombia friendly and face England on June 10 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. By then, the coaching staff will have another chance to judge whether Sequeira can keep pushing for the role or whether the veteran returns to the front of the line.
