The highly anticipated 2026 Liga BetPlay season is set to ignite, and one of the most intriguing opening fixtures features the historic América de Cali welcoming a rebranded opponent to the Estadio Pascual Guerrero. On Saturday, January 17th, América will lock horns with the team formerly known as La Equidad, which will compete under the new banner of Internacional de Bogotá.
This clash isn't just the start of a new campaign; it represents a significant moment for both clubs as they debut fresh rosters and strategic ambitions. For the Scarlet team (América), the mission is clear: build on past successes and immediately assert dominance in front of their passionate home supporters. For Bogotá’s capital side, the debut under their new identity—complete with fresh colors and an experienced roster overhaul—is crucial for setting a positive tone for the entire year.
The Scarlat Dream Begins: América de Cali Preview
The energy surrounding América de Cali heading into 2026 is palpable. The club, under the guidance of Coach David González, has strategically reinforced key areas of the pitch. The biggest headline acquisition is undoubtedly offensive midfielder Yeison Guzmán, a player well-known to González from their successful tenure together at Deportes Tolima. Guzmán is expected to be the creative engine powering América’s attack, linking the midfield and forward lines with precision.
Defensive Reinforcements and Familiar Faces
While the focus often drifts to attacking prowess, América’s management has also prioritized defensive stability. The return of defender Marlon Torres brings a wave of positive nostalgia and crucial experience to the back line. Torres, who was part of the 2020 championship-winning squad, is expected to provide leadership and recall the winning mentality that defines the club.
América’s recent preparation included a competitive friendly against Once Caldas as part of the Serie Colombia 2026, which ended in a 1-1 draw—a useful benchmark for assessing team chemistry. New additions like Dany Rosero, Darwin Machís, Carlos Sierra, and Jean Fernandes are integrating quickly, suggesting a deep and versatile squad ready to tackle the rigors of the league schedule.
Internacional de Bogotá: A New Era Dawns
The transformation of La Equidad into Internacional de Bogotá signals a significant strategic shift. This name change is accompanied by a substantial restructuring of the squad, aimed at erasing the memory of a challenging prior season. The club needed a jolt, and they appear to have delivered through shrewd transfer activity, focusing on bringing in seasoned professionals.
Key Signings Look to Make Immediate Impact
Internacional has made bold moves to bolster their starting XI. Midfield presence is expected to be significantly enhanced by the arrival of Larry Vásquez, a player known for his tenacity and control in the center of the park. Other notable additions include Facundo Boné, Agustín Irazoque, Fabricio Sanguinetti, and Johan Caballero, all tasked with immediately elevating the quality of play.
Perhaps the most eye-catching signing for the Bogotá side is the acquisition of goalkeeper Wuilker Faríñez. Faríñez returns to Colombian football for his third stint, having previously featured for Millonarios and Águilas Doradas. His presence between the sticks provides an immediate injection of international-level goalkeeping talent, a position that often dictates the fortunes of a team.
Match Details and Viewing Information
The inaugural match of the 2026 Liga BetPlay campaign between América de Cali and Internacional de Bogotá is scheduled for Saturday, January 17th, with kickoff set for 4:10 PM local time (16:10 ET). Fans across the nation eager to witness the debut of these transformed squads can tune in live via the WIN network.
The historical context slightly favors the home side. In their most recent encounter on October 11, 2025, América secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over their rivals. However, with the extensive roster changes on both sides, past results offer limited predictive value for this season opener.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of the Opener
For América, securing three points at home in the first match is vital for establishing early momentum. A strong performance against a newly constituted Internacional side will validate their preseason strategies and feed the immense expectation from the fanbase.
Conversely, Internacional de Bogotá needs a statement result. Facing a traditional powerhouse like América on the road is a baptism by fire, but a positive showing—even a disciplined draw—could signal that their new identity is built on a solid foundation rather than mere rebranding. The league awaits to see how these significant roster investments translate onto the pitch as the 2026 Liga BetPlay season officially kicks off in Cali.
