The stage is set at the iconic Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero in Santiago de Cali, where America de Cali will host Once Caldas in the January phase of the International Club Friendly 2026. Scheduled for the early hours of January 14th, with kick-off at 02:00 CEST, this clash offers both teams a valuable opportunity to fine-tune squad dynamics before domestic competitions resume.
Under the stewardship of head coach David González, America de Cali face a Once Caldas side led by Hernán Herrera—a matchup rich with tactical nuance and competitive spirit. Despite the “friendly” moniker, both teams approach this encounter not only as a test of form, but as a historical rivalry embedded in Colombian football culture.
Key players to watch include America de Cali’s dynamic midfielder Carlos Darwin Quintero, known for his technical vision and creativity in transitional play, and Once Caldas’ attacking spearhead Dayro Moreno, whose instinct for goal and movement off the ball pose a constant threat. Although goalkeepers will play a critical role, it is these outfield maestros who are expected to shape the narrative of the match.
A hot stat to note: In their most recent five head-to-head clashes, the matches have averaged 2.0 goals per meeting—evidence of a competitive edge but also balanced defensive organisation from both sides.
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America de Cali vs Once Caldas predictions
Me best bet: Draw (X). While bookmakers offer a slight edge to America de Cali (45 percent win probability according to market averages), recent form and head-to-head history suggest a close contest. Once Caldas’s recent defensive solidity (notably, back-to-back draws including a 0-0 opener in this friendly phase) and America’s status as hosts create an equilibrium. Both teams have found it difficult to assert outright supremacy in their last three direct encounters—nowhere is this more evident than in their 1-1 draw two meetings ago, marked by mutual tactical caution.
America de Cali’s style under González prioritises possession (often hovering above 55 percent in league play) and measured buildup, sometimes at the expense of cutting edge in the final third. Once Caldas, meanwhile, are adept at frustrating opponents—emphasising disciplined shape, physical duels, and exploiting transitional moments. Their moderate foul and yellow card counts reflect a team that walks the line of aggression without overcommitting, suggesting a match of fine tactical margins rather than wild swings.
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Prop picks by me:
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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America de Cali vs Once Caldas Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | America de Cali | Once Caldas |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 8 |
| Total shots | 53 | 48 |
| Free kicks | 64 | 70 |
| Corner kicks | 25 | 22 |
| Total fouls | 55 | 51 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 80 |
| Interceptions | 61 | 57 |
| Offsides | 12 | 14 |
A look at the last five head-to-heads reveals a remarkably even narrative: America de Cali have claimed two wins (the standout being a 3-0 home performance), but Once Caldas also seized two victories, including a resounding 3-0 away win. Draws are not uncommon, and the statistical split in shots, fouls, and corners reflects tactical battles rather than open football. The history suggests neither side will capitulate easily.
🚨Read our full America de Cali vs Once Caldas stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Once Caldas have recorded clean sheets in three of their last five competitive matches, showing a defensive structure that travels well.
- America de Cali have failed to keep a clean sheet at Olímpico Pascual Guerrero in their last four home matches.
- None of the last five meetings between these teams saw both teams scoring in the same match.
- Once Caldas’s last competitive away win was a 3-0 triumph over America de Cali, illustrating their threat in hostile territory.
- Across the last six mutual encounters, the average margin of victory stands at 2.5 goals when there is a winner.
America de Cali vs Once Caldas score prediction: 1-1
This fixture shapes up as a tactical chess match. America de Cali’s midfield engine Carlos Darwin Quintero will look to dictate tempo and break lines, yet Once Caldas’s cohesiveness, marshalled by captain and playmaker Dayro Moreno, is primed to limit clear chances. While America de Cali may enjoy greater possession, Once Caldas’s transition game and resilience suggest their attacking forays will not go unrewarded. Expect a sharing of spoils—1-1, with goals likely to come from set pieces or moments of individual inspiration.
Pre-game odds and win probability: America de Cali the favourite
| Moneyline | America de Cali 2.05 | Once Caldas 3.60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.10 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.15 | Under 2.5 1.80 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.02 | No 1.85 | |
Bookmakers marginally favour America de Cali due to home advantage and a slightly superior squad depth, but the odds indicate significant respect for Once Caldas’s capacity to upset. The draw is attractively priced, reflecting the balance of recent results and the defensive reliability both teams have shown of late. Over/Under 2.5 odds tilt in favour of a low-scoring match—a reasonable expectation given mutual defensive tendencies. “Both teams to score: No” reflects recent head-to-head data.

Once Caldas. Source: Official Facebook
America de Cali vs Once Caldas Over/Under Analysis
- Under 2.5 goals has landed in four of the last six matches between these sides.
- Once Caldas have failed to score in two of their last five away games against America de Cali.
- America de Cali’s matches in the off-season typically yield fewer than 2.0 goals, especially in friendlies.
- Last contest ended 0-0, suggesting another cautious approach may be in store for this phase of the tournament.
America de Cali Preview
America de Cali enter the friendly with a mixed bag of results from their final competitive fixtures—securing a dramatic 3-2 win over Atletico Nacional but also dropping points in a defeat to Junior (1-2) and a 1-1 draw with Independiente Medellin. The side has proven capable of both vibrant attacking displays and occasional lapses in defensive concentration. Under González, their tactical framework revolves around possession and a high line—features which can leave them vulnerable to swift counter-attacks if precision falters. Fans will look for a more composed start in 2026, with this friendly pivotal for ironing out preseason inconsistencies and integrating new faces into the core squad.
America de Cali possible starting eleven
- GK: Diego Novoa
- DF: Cristian Arrieta, John Garcia, Kevin Andrade, Edwin Velasco
- MF: Carlos Darwin Quintero, Jader Quiñones, Juan Camilo Portilla
- FW: Andrés Sarmiento, Adrian Ramos, Iago Falque
Once Caldas Preview
Once Caldas stepped into 2026 with a solid, if unspectacular, 0-0 draw against Deportivo Cali. The fixture highlighted their defensive rigour and midfield discipline, characteristics that have been hallmarks of Herrera’s stewardship. Their preceding results—draws against Deportivo Pasto and Millonarios, and narrow 1-0 wins—demonstrate a penchant for tight encounters and calculated risk. With the likes of Dayro Moreno spearheading the attack and Juan David Pérez orchestrating from deeper roles, Once Caldas will attempt to seize moments in transition and pounce on America de Cali’s lapses.
Once Caldas possible starting eleven
- GK: Eder Chaux
- DF: David Murillo, Andrés Correa, Diego Peralta, Elvis Mosquera
- MF: Juan David Pérez, Nicolás Giraldo, Nelson Quiñones
- FW: Dayro Moreno, Billy Arce, Sherman Cárdenas
Our prediction: Who Wins?
As TipsGG experts, we anticipate a closely contested draw—our AI prediction engine assigns a 38% probability to this outcome, versus 45% for America de Cali and 25% for Once Caldas. America de Cali’s home pedigree and creative midfield edge should yield periods of territorial dominance, but Once Caldas’s organisation and knack for stifling opponents—especially in similar friendly contexts—make them tough to break down. Expect phases of tactical chess, flashes of individual brilliance, and a result that keeps both clubs in positive stead for the competitive restart.

America de Cali. Source: Official Facebook
How to watch America de Cali vs Once Caldas
- When? 14 January 2026, 02:00 CEST
- Where? Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero, Santiago de Cali
- How to watch: Official club YouTube channels, local broadcasters, select international streams.
- Favourite: America de Cali
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