Luis Díaz Leads Colombia to 3-1 Victory Over Uzbekistan in World Cup Opener

Winger Luis Díaz scored a goal and set up another, as Colombia made a winning return to the FIFA World Cup after missing the last edition.

Published On 18 Jun 202618 Jun 2026

Colombia opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, as Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and Jaminton Campaz struck to overcome a spirited second‑half response from the tournament debutants.

Uzbekistan were disciplined for long periods under their Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro, but Colombia’s greater quality stood out in front of a crowd of over 80,000 on a cool, rain‑tinged evening in Mexico City.

Colombia, the Copa América runners‑up, had early chances through Jhon Arias and James Rodríguez, but Uzbekistan sat deep, defended resolutely and waited for mistakes. Bekhruz Karimov nearly capitalised when he burst forward, only for Jhon Lucumí to intervene before he could shoot.

Díaz had the clearest chance of the opening half when his shot struck the post, before Abdukodir Khusanov slid in after the winger had knocked the ball past him, colliding with both the Colombian player and a pitch‑side cameraman who required medical treatment.

Uzbekistan’s resistance finally cracked in the 40th minute. Díaz gathered the ball after an attack broke down and delivered a precise pass to Muñoz, who finished neatly for his third international goal.

The large Colombian contingent erupted, their yellow shirts turning the Azteca into a sea of colour. Chants of “¡Vamos Colombia!” echoed around the stadium, while Uzbekistan’s smaller fan group responded with drums.

Fayzullaev Scores Uzbekistan’s Maiden World Cup Goal

Uzbekistan improved after the break and equalised on the hour with the country’s first World Cup goal.

Dostonbek Khamdamov fed Eldor Shomurodov, whose shot from the right side of the box was saved low by Camilo Vargas. The goalkeeper could not hold it, however, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed in the rebound from close range.

However, Uzbekistan’s joy lasted only five minutes.

Gustavo Puerta released Díaz in the 65th minute, and the forward side‑footed across goal to restore Colombia’s lead. The crowd responded with chants of “Lucho, Lucho”.

Uzbekistan kept pushing. Akmal Mozgovoy shot narrowly off target in stoppage time, Karimov hit the bar with a long‑range effort, and Azizbek Amonov had a shot blocked after Otabek Shukurov’s pass.

Colombia sealed the win when Campaz scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time, bringing the final tally to 3-1. Colombia finished with 15 attempts to Uzbekistan’s nine and extended their strong recent group‑stage record to seven wins in eight World Cup matches.

Colombia face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan play Portugal on the same day in Houston.

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