América de Cali and Atlético Nacional Take Colombian Rivalry to Fort Lauderdale With First Place on the Line

A Colombian rivalry match being played far from Colombia, with first place in the league on the line and a cause that goes beyond the scoreline. That's what's in store this Saturday, September 5, when América de Cali and Atlético Nacional meet at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, in the United States, as part of the so called Serie Colombia. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Colombian time, and the match can be streamed via Disney+'s Premium plan.

Two of Colombian soccer's biggest clubs facing off on US soil would already be newsworthy on its own, but there's an added element this time: part of the gate receipts will go toward supporting victims of the earthquake that struck Colombia last month. It's a gesture that gives the match significance well beyond the three points up for grabs.

And speaking of points, there's plenty on the line for both sides. América comes in as the league leader with 20 points through 8 matches, while Nacional sits fourth with 12 points, though with two fewer games played than their rival (just 5 so far). The Verde, in fact, arrives with a real chance to close the gap on the leaders if they get a result in Florida.

This isn't the first time the two sides have met recently. Back in August, at Pascual Guerrero, América came away with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Yeison Guzmán, in a match Nacional nearly tied in the dying seconds had it not been for a VAR review that wiped out the goal. That recent history adds extra spice to the rematch: Nacional's fans know there's payback still due.

And speaking of Guzmán, it's hard not to notice him these days. The scarlet midfielder is in outstanding form: he's the leading scorer of the 2026-II league season with 6 goals, has added 3 assists, and comes off a goal against Jaguares. Standing in his way will be a Nacional side that also has plenty of firepower up front: Marlos Moreno, since returning to Colombian soccer, has been in top form and already has 4 goals and an assist this season.

Probable lineups

América de Cali: Fernandes; Quintero, Tovar, Hernández, Mina; Carrascal, Escobar, Quiñones; Murillo, Guzmán and Ángel.

Atlético Nacional: Armani; Román, Haydar, Reyes, Velásquez; Marín, Cardona, Rengifo, Sarmiento; Moreno and Morelos.

A traditional rivalry match, with the league leader on one side and a title contender on the other, played in the United States and carrying a charitable cause behind it. Rarely does a single match bring together so many storylines at once.