World Cup 2026 Colombia Beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Azteca Return
COLOMBIA · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Colombia. Los Cafeteros beat Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Azteca on their return after eight years.
—Scorers. Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and a late Jaminton Campaz header did the damage.
—Star man. Luis Díaz set up the first and scored the decisive second.
—History for Uzbekistan. Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the debutants’ first-ever World Cup goal.
—Group K. Colombia sit top, with DR Congo up next on June 23.
Eight years after their last World Cup, Colombia returned to the grandest stage at a roaring Azteca — and though the scoreline flattered them, Luis Díaz made sure the night belonged to Los Cafeteros.
World Cup 2026 Colombia mark their return in style
Colombia opened their World Cup with a 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It was their first World Cup match in eight years, and a packed, heavily pro-Colombia crowd made the most of it.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side controlled possession throughout, even if they were made to work harder than the result suggests. Veteran James Rodríguez captained the team before being rested late on.
The victory sends Colombia top of Group K after the opening round. It was the ideal way to announce their return among the world’s best.
The Azteca was awash with yellow shirts on the night. Mexico City’s large Colombian and Latin American community turned the stadium into something close to a home game.
Muñoz opens, Uzbekistan hit back
Colombia struggled early to break down a disciplined Uzbekistan low block. The breakthrough came in the 40th minute, when Luis Díaz threaded a brilliant ball for right-back Daniel Muñoz to finish.
The lead lasted until just after the hour. Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home an equaliser to spark wild celebrations, scoring Uzbekistan’s first goal in their first World Cup.
It was a jolt for the favourites, who had not expected to be pegged back. The response, though, was immediate and emphatic.
Uzbekistan’s head coach had set his side up to frustrate. For an hour the plan worked better than many had expected.
Luis Díaz the difference
Five minutes after conceding, Colombia were back in front through their best player. Luis Díaz collected possession and finished smartly to restore the lead in the 65th minute.
The Bayern Munich forward had a hand in two goals and tormented Uzbekistan whenever he drifted infield. On this evidence, he is central to Colombia’s hopes of a deep run.
Campaz seals it late
Uzbekistan pushed for another equaliser late on, and Colombia had to defend stoutly to protect their lead. The points were only made safe deep into stoppage time.
Substitute Jáminton Campaz headed in a third in the 90th minute of stoppage time, converting a cross from Cucho Hernández. The scoreline ended up flattering a hard-fought win.
Top of Group K
The win leaves Colombia clear at the top of Group K after Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo drew their opener. Three points was the priority, and they delivered.
Colombia next face DR Congo in Guadalajara on June 23, before closing the group against Portugal in Miami. A second win would put them on the brink of the knockout rounds.
Why it matters
Missing the 2022 World Cup hurt a proud footballing nation, so simply being back carried weight. To return with a win, in front of a sea of yellow at the Azteca, made it sweeter still.
There is room for improvement, particularly in killing games off earlier. But with Díaz in this form and a settled side under Lorenzo, Colombia look a threat.
The win also extended a promising era under Lorenzo, who has steadied the team after turbulent years. Belief is growing that this group can match or better the 2014 quarter-final run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in World Cup 2026 Colombia vs Uzbekistan?
Colombia won 3-1 at the Azteca in Mexico City. Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and Jaminton Campaz scored, with Fayzullaev replying for Uzbekistan.
Who was Colombia’s standout player?
Luis Díaz was the difference, assisting the first goal and scoring the second. The Bayern Munich forward caused problems all night.
Why was Uzbekistan’s goal historic?
Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s equaliser was Uzbekistan’s first goal at a World Cup, on their tournament debut. It briefly levelled the match at 1-1.
Who do Colombia play next?
Colombia face DR Congo in Guadalajara on June 23, then Portugal in Miami on June 27. They sit top of Group K after matchday one.
How long had Colombia been away from the World Cup?
This was Colombia’s first World Cup since 2018, having missed the 2022 edition. The eight-year wait made the winning return especially emotional.
Key Facts
— Connected Coverage
— World Cup 2026 Colombia: Base in Guadalajara, Opener at Azteca
— World Cup 2026 Latin America: When Each Team Plays and Where
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