Colombia beats Uzbekistan with the result of 3-1, Luis Díaz inspires La Tricolor to a winning start in group K.
2026 World Cup
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Match Report
MEXICO CITY — Colombia survived a spirited challenge from World Cup debutants Uzbekistan to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday night, taking early control of Group K. Colombia’s superior quality ultimately told, with goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and substitute Jaminton Campaz sealing all three points after Abbosbek Fayzullaev had briefly restored parity for the Central Asian side.
For long stretches, Néstor Lorenzo's men found themselves frustrated by Uzbekistan's disciplined defensive structure. The underdogs, making their first-ever World Cup appearance under Fabio Cannavaro, remained compact and organized, limiting clear-cut opportunities and forcing Colombia into a patient approach.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 41st minute. Jefferson Lerma's lofted delivery found Daniel Muñoz, who timed his run perfectly before finishing to give Colombia a deserved 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Uzbekistan emerged from the interval with renewed belief and were rewarded in the 60th minute. Eldor Shomurodov's acrobatic effort forced Camilo Vargas into a costly spill, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest to nod home the rebound, sparking wild celebrations among the White Wolves and leveling the contest at 1-1.
The joy lasted only five minutes.
Colombia immediately responded through their biggest star. After Uzbekistan lost possession in midfield, Luis Díaz surged forward from the left flank, cut inside onto his favored right foot and curled an effort toward goal. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov got a hand to the shot, but could only help it into the net as Díaz restored Colombia's advantage in the 65th minute.
From that point, Colombia controlled possession and managed the game with increasing confidence, while Uzbekistan struggled to recreate the attacking threat that had brought them back into the match. Cannavaro's side continued to battle until the final whistle, but clear opportunities proved difficult to find against a Colombian defense content to protect its narrow lead.
Deep into stoppage time, Colombia finally put the result beyond doubt. In the 90+9th minute, substitute Jaminton Campaz met a pinpoint cross at the far post and headed home to complete a 3-1 victory, adding a flattering gloss to a performance that was efficient rather than spectacular.
The result leaves Colombia well positioned in Group K after the earlier draw between Portugal and DR Congo, while Uzbekistan can take encouragement from a competitive World Cup debut despite leaving empty-handed. Colombia's clinical edge in key moments proved decisive, and Lorenzo's side now heads into its next fixture with momentum and three valuable points already on the board.
Line-ups
Uzbekistan XI: Utkir Yusupov, Otabek Shukurov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Eldor Shomurodov, Oston Urunov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Abdulla Abdullaev, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Abdukodir Khusanov, Bekhruz Karimov
Subs: Igor Sergeev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Odildzhon Khamrobekov, Umar Eshmurodov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Aziz Ganiev, Botirali Ergashev, Khozhiakbar Alizhonov, Azizbek Amanov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev, Abduvokhid Nematov, Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Jakhongir Urozov, Sherzod Esanov
Colombia XI: C. Vargas, James, Mojica, Lerma, Sanchez, Jhon Lucumí, Luis Suárez, Jhon Arias, Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, Gustavo Puerta
Subs: Ospina, J. Quintero, Arias, Córdoba, Mina, Álvaro Montero, Deiver Machado, Jorge Carrascal, Cucho Hernández, Jáminton Campaz, Juan Portilla, Willer Ditta, Richard Ríos, Kevin Castaño, Andrés Gómez