Jhon Arias was in the spotlight after Colombia secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Bolivia on Thursday, and the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger gave an emotional interview to Colombian outlet [**Gol Caracol**](https://www.noticiascaracol.com/golcaracol/seleccion-colombia/jhon-arias-y-una-emotiva-dedicatoria-al-cielo-se-que-ella-esta-conmigo-orgullosa-de-mi-rg10).
Speaking after the final whistle in Barranquilla, Arias described the qualification as one of the most special moments of his career, highlighting what it meant to achieve it on home soil.
“_I’m happy. It’s a beautiful moment of my career, an important moment. I dreamed of qualifying for the World Cup, and it’s beautiful to do it here in Barranquilla, in front of the people, in this party they made today,”_ Arias told the press..
The 27-year-old then dedicated the achievement to his grandmother, who played a decisive role in his career but has since passed away.
_“I believe she would feel proud. It’s a dream we shared together, and I know she’s here with me, supporting me and being proud of me, seeing where I have reached and everything I have achieved, but also for everything I still have to accomplish. It’s beautiful to represent the country, the culture of the people,”_ he said, visibly emotional.
Arias also looked ahead to what comes next, saying Colombia now has the conditions to dream big at the tournament: _“Now it’s about enjoying and continuing to prepare, because we need to and we have what it takes to dream high. It’s about enjoying what will be my first World Cup. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed since I was a child, so it’s a very special night for me.”_
The Wolves winger even spared a word for veteran striker Dayro Moreno, recently recalled to the national team. Arias called him “a genuine, cheerful person who deserves to be here” and stressed that his return is “merited”, as Moreno remains an icon of Colombian football.
The player’s next steps will be at Molineux, but all eyes will also be on his role with Colombia when he makes his first appearance at a World Cup.