The high-profile date against James Rodriguez and co will take place on Wednesday 28 March, at 6am AEST at the Socceroos' home-away-from-home, Craven Cottage in London.

The match against the world no. 13 is scheduled for four days after Australia face Norway in Oslo, presenting a host of logistical challenges for the new Socceroos boss - whoever that will be. 

The FFA has said they will make a decision on the head-coaching role by mid-February, after earlier this month revealing they've narrowed the applicants down to a shortlist of three candidates. 

FFA chief executive David Gallop said the South American giants will present a "good challenge" for the Socceroos in the lead up to the June tournament.

“We are excited to have secured the match against Colombia, which offers us a good challenge against strong South American opposition leading into the FIFA World Cup,” he said.

“We believe that we have managed to put together a strong set of matches for our soon to be appointed head coach to cast his eye over the squad, and continue to prepare our players for Russia.”

“We are thankful to the Colombian Football Federation for hosting us at Craven Cottage as we continue to build towards Russia.”

Norway and Columbia will provide some localised experience for the Socceroos, who play fellow-Scandinavians Denmark in their second group match, before facing Peru, which finished one spot behind Colombia in fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying.