Colombia opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, moving to the top of Group K after an entertaining encounter filled with physical battles, quality finishing, and late drama.
The South Americans were made to work for all three points by an Uzbekistan side making its first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage. Second-half goals from Luis Díaz and substitute Jáminton Campaz ultimately proved decisive as Colombia overcame a spirited challenge from the Central Asian newcomers.
The match began with plenty of intensity, and Colombia defender Johan Mojica was shown a yellow card just seven minutes into the contest as both sides battled fiercely for control. Colombia dominated possession during the opening stages and created the first meaningful opportunities, with Jhon Arias firing narrowly wide from distance.
Liverpool star Luis Díaz was a constant threat throughout the first half. The winger struck the post with a powerful effort across goal before being sent tumbling by Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The Manchester City center-back’s challenge carried him into a cameraman on the sideline and earned him a yellow card.
Díaz quickly put the incident behind him and played a crucial role in Colombia’s opening goal six minutes before halftime. His precise delivery into the penalty area was met by a perfectly timed run from Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Muñoz, who guided his finish beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to give Colombia a deserved 1-0 lead.
Uzbekistan emerged from the break with greater attacking ambition and stunned the Colombian supporters by drawing level on the hour mark. Eldor Shomurodov’s volley was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, but the rebound looped invitingly into the six-yard box where Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest, heading home from virtually on the goal line to score Uzbekistan’s historic first World Cup goal.
The underdogs’ celebrations were short-lived. Just five minutes later, Colombia regained the advantage after winning possession in midfield and launching a swift counterattack. Díaz finished the move with a low effort that slipped through the grasp of Yusupov, restoring Colombia’s lead at 2-1 and rewarding the winger for another outstanding performance.
Despite trailing, Uzbekistan refused to back down and continued to threaten on the break. Colombia were unable to fully secure the result until deep into stoppage time when substitute Jáminton Campaz rose highest to meet Cucho Hernández’s inviting cross, powering a header into the net to make it 3-1.
Even then, Uzbekistan nearly had the final word. Teenager Bekhruz Karimov struck the crossbar in the closing moments, a reminder of the attacking promise shown by the World Cup newcomers throughout the contest.
The victory gives Colombia an ideal start to their Group K campaign and places them atop the standings, while Uzbekistan leave with plenty of encouragement despite the defeat. Their resilience and attacking spirit suggested they could still play a significant role in what promises to be a competitive group.
For Colombia, the combination of Díaz’s creativity and finishing, along with contributions from Muñoz and Campaz, provided the perfect foundation as they seek a deep run in the tournament. Uzbekistan may have fallen short, but their spirited World Cup debut demonstrated that they are capable of challenging more established footballing nations on the sport’s grandest stage.
