As the anticipation builds for the start of the Liga BetPlay 2026-I season, Colombian powerhouse Atlético Nacional has officially announced the 21 players selected by manager Diego Arias for their opening fixture. The Verdolagas are set to kick off their campaign at home against Boyacá Chicó, marking the first competitive test for a squad that has seen strategic reinforcement over the recent transfer window.
Nacional’s Opening Challenge: Facing Boyacá Chicó
The clash against Boyacá Chicó is always a significant marker in a team’s early season trajectory. For Atlético Nacional, entering the 2026 tournament with renewed expectations, securing three points in front of their home fans is paramount. Manager Diego Arias has finalized his list, balancing established veterans with exciting new additions designed to propel the club toward silverware.
The squad confirmation offers fans their first official look at the collective unit that will take the field. Nacional’s strategy appears focused on maintaining a strong core while integrating high-profile talent acquired during the offseason. This initial fixture will be crucial for Arias to gauge team cohesion and tactical readiness ahead of a demanding league schedule.
Key New Faces Included in the 21-Man Roster
The most notable inclusion in the announced roster is Argentine defender Milton Casco. Coming from a decorated tenure at River Plate, where he achieved significant domestic and international success, Casco brings a wealth of experience and winning pedigree to the Nacional backline. His arrival is viewed as a major statement signing, aiming to solidify a defense that has sometimes shown vulnerability.
Beyond Casco, two other new faces feature in the selection: goalkeeper Kevin Cataño and winger Nicolás Rodríguez. Cataño’s presence provides further depth and competition in the crucial goalkeeping department, while Rodríguez offers another dynamic option in the attacking third. The integration of these players into the starting XI, or even off the bench, will be closely watched by analysts and supporters alike.
Roster Analysis: Strengths and Notable Absences
A review of the 21-man selection reveals Arias's commitment to a balanced approach. The roster spans all key positions, ensuring depth for potential mid-week fixtures and injury concerns throughout the campaign.
The Goalkeeping Contingent
The goalkeeping trio is robust, featuring established names alongside the new acquisition. The list includes Ospina, Cataño, and Zea. Ospina remains the standard-bearer, but the inclusion of Cataño signals a healthy internal competition for the number one spot, a dynamic that often sharpens overall team performance.
Defensive Solidity and Experience
The defense boasts a mix of international quality and domestic reliability: Tesillo, García, Haydar, Román, Casco, Velásquez, and Uribe. The integration of Casco alongside established defenders like Tesillo suggests Arias is prioritizing a formidable defensive structure for the start of the season. The versatility among these players will be key to adapting to different tactical setups required by the league’s varied opposition.
Midfield Engine Room
The midfield selection is designed for both control and creativity. Rivero, Zapata, Cardona, Bauzá, Lozano, and Rengifo offer different skill sets, from ball-winning prowess to playmaking ability. The presence of creative talents suggests Nacional will aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the match against Chicó.
Attacking Firepower
Up front, the forwards selected are Rosa, Sarmiento, Moreno, Rodríguez, and Asprilla. With new winger Nicolás Rodríguez included, Arias has pace and flair available to unlock stubborn defenses. The performance of these forwards in the opening match will set the tone for their goal-scoring expectations for the rest of the tournament.
Injury Concerns Force Changes
Despite the positive additions, Nacional will have to navigate the early stages without two players due to fitness issues. The club confirmed that midfielder Jorman Campuzano and defender Juan José Arias will miss the debut match as they recover from injuries. Their absence necessitates that the selected players step up immediately to fill any void left by their absence.
Match Details and Viewing Information
The highly anticipated season opener between Atlético Nacional and Boyacá Chicó is scheduled for Saturday, January 17th. Kick-off is set for 6:20 p.m. local Colombian time (COL). Fans across the region eager to watch the first action of the 2026 campaign will be able to tune in via WIN Sports, ensuring widespread coverage of the team’s return to league play.
This first match is more than just three points; it’s an opportunity for the newly assembled squad to establish chemistry and send a clear message to their Liga BetPlay rivals. With home advantage and a roster bolstered by significant signings, expectations are understandably high for Atlético Nacional to secure a winning start to their 2026 campaign.
