World Cup Star Forced Into Hiding After Receiving Death Threats
Jaminton Campaz and the Colombian national team were eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although the game was scoreless at 0-0, in the 115th minute of extra time, forward Campaz intercepted a pass and had a clear shot on goal. The left-footer's point-blank shot missed, going over the crossbar and sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Switzerland star midfielder Granit Xhaka got the ball rolling by scoring first for his national team. The rest of the team followed suit, with only defender Manuel Akanji missing during the shootout. Colombia eventually went on to lose 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
Although Campaz was able to redeem himself in the penalty shootout by scoring on his attempt, fans from the Colombia native's home country are apparently not satisfied. The 26-year-old has reportedly received death threats following the national team's World Cup exit. On Monday, it was revealed that Campaz was unable to return home due to the nature of the threats and is currently in hiding.
This is not the first time Colombia has been involved in death threats involving World Cup stars. During the 1994 World Cup, Andres Escobar accidentally scored an own goal against the host nation, the United States, resulting in a 2-1 defeat for Colombia in the group stage and its early elimination. Escobar returned home to Medellin and was murdered in violent retribution.
" | Colombian Jaminton Campaz, whose safety was endangered after missing a critical World Cup goal," wrote Goals Side on X. "Could not return home and went into hiding due to death threats."
| Colombian Jaminton Campaz, whose safety was endangered after missing a critical World Cup goal, could not return home and went into hiding due to death threats. pic.twitter.com/7hqam0IJHR
— Goals Side (@goalsside) July 13, 2026
Campaz resides in Argentina, where he plays for the Argentine Primera Division club Rosario Central.
Related: Mauricio Pochettino Facing Major Career Decision After USA's World Cup Loss
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 1:13 PM.