Colombia made a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Group K at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.
After dominating possession for much of the first half, Colombia broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Daniel Munoz volleyed home from a Luis Diaz assist. Uzbekistan responded strongly after the break and equalized through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who scored his country’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 60th minute.
The parity lasted only five minutes as Diaz restored Colombia’s lead with a shot that slipped through goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov’s hands. Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with a header to make it 3-1.
Diaz, who finished with a goal and an assist, was named man of the match. The result puts Colombia in a strong early position in Group K, especially after Portugal were held to a draw by DR Congo. Uzbekistan, despite the defeat, earned praise from coach Fabio Cannavaro for their resilience in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
