Colombia began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca, moving to the top of Group K. Luis Diaz was the decisive figure, and Uzbekistan’s historic first World Cup goal from Fayzullaev was not enough to prevent the South Americans from taking all three points.
🔥 Quick Read
- Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K opener
- Diaz scored one goal and assisted another
- Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal ever
- Campaz sealed win with a 90th-minute header
- Colombia go top of Group K with three points
Colombia Weather Uzbek Fightback to Go Top
Colombia, comfortably the stronger side on paper, controlled the first half against a well-organised Uzbekistan who deployed a deep defensive block. Daniel Munoz broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with an assist from Diaz, but Uzbekistan came out with more intent after the interval and drew level when Fayzullaev tapped in on the hour mark, a historic moment as Uzbekistan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The equaliser lasted only five minutes. Diaz restored Colombia’s lead in the 65th minute when his strike was mishandled by goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov. Uzbekistan pushed again but substitute Jaminton Campaz put the result beyond doubt, heading home from Cucho Hernandez’s cross deep into stoppage time to make it 3-1.
The win lands Colombia at the summit of Group K. Earlier in the day, Portugal had been held to a draw by DR Congo, leaving the South Americans as the group’s sole side with a perfect record after the opening round of fixtures.
Fayzullaev’s Historic Goal, Then Diaz Responds
Daniel Munoz opened the scoring in the 40th minute after a Diaz assist, giving Colombia a deserved first-half lead. Fayzullaev equalised with a tap-in on 60 minutes, Uzbekistan’s first goal in World Cup history, briefly threatening an upset.
Diaz immediately answered in the 65th minute, his close-range effort deflecting past the goalkeeper off the keeper’s hands. Campaz headed in from Hernandez’s cross in the 90th minute to end any remaining doubt.
Diaz Announces Himself on the World Stage
Luis Diaz arrived at this tournament having registered 49 goal involvements in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions, yet he had never before played at a FIFA World Cup. He made his debut count: his assist set up Munoz’s opener, and when Uzbekistan briefly levelled, it was Diaz who restored Colombia’s lead within five minutes.
He was the clearest difference-maker on the pitch and left the Estadio Azteca having given Colombia’s campaign a firm foundation.
Group K Picture and What Comes Next
Colombia sit top of Group K on three points, with Portugal and DR Congo each on one following their draw. Uzbekistan remain on zero points and are yet to earn a result at a World Cup. The early discipline concerns, Mojica was booked as early as the seventh minute, will need to be managed by coach Nestor Lorenzo as yellow-card accumulation could become a factor in later rounds.
Uzbekistan must now regroup under Srecko Katanec and will need points from their remaining two group matches to avoid a first-round exit. Colombia, meanwhile, head into their next Group K fixture with maximum points and momentum, though Lorenzo will be aware that Portugal remain a significant threat in the group and that standards must hold.
With Portugal lurking on one point and two group matches remaining, Colombia will need to maintain both their form and their discipline to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
