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Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan | Group K | June 17, 2026 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Colombia wrapped up a busy first day of Group K action with a well-earned 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The result sent Colombia straight to the top of Group K, while Uzbekistan remain in the rear, still searching for their first result at a World Cup. It was a night of history for both sides, though for very different reasons.
First Half: Colombia Take Control
It was Colombia in control of the ball in the first 45 minutes, perhaps unsurprisingly. Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan used a resolute 5-4-1 block with plenty of numbers behind the ball and only the occasional spell of high pressure. Despite the compact defensive shape, Colombia’s quality in the final third eventually made the difference.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute. Luis Diaz delivered a sublime pass for Daniel Munoz to finish expertly, giving Colombia a deserved lead going into the break. It was a goal that reflected the pattern of the half, with Colombia dominating possession and Uzbekistan holding firm for long stretches before the wall finally cracked.
GOAL 1 – Daniel Munoz, 40′: Colombia Break the Deadlock
Munoz got on the end of a delightful team move, latching onto Diaz’s perfectly weighted assist to fire Colombia ahead just before halftime. The goal rewarded Colombia’s patience and their superior technical quality in the first period. Diaz, in particular, stood out as the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Second Half: Uzbekistan Makes History
In the second half, Uzbekistan stepped out of its defensive shell and troubled Colombia. The shift in approach quickly paid off, and on the hour mark, the debutants made history.
GOAL 2 (Uzbekistan) – Abbosbek Fayzullaev, 60′: A Historic Equalizer
Uzbekistan responded impressively after the break, making history through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, whose 60th-minute header became the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. The goal was somewhat fortunate, given that Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas couldn’t deal with the initial effort. Still, Uzbekistan had life.
The celebration inside the Estadio Azteca was short but electric. For Uzbekistan, a nation making its very first World Cup appearance, that moment carried enormous significance regardless of how the match ended.
GOAL 3 – Luis Diaz, 65′: Colombia Restores the Lead
Joy from the debutant’s equalizer was short-lived. Superstar left winger Luis Diaz put Colombia back in front just five minutes later, scoring a goal to go along with his pinpoint assist to Munoz in the first half. Like on Uzbekistan’s goal, there was poor goalkeeping on Colombia’s go-ahead strike, as Utkir Yusupov could have done better on Diaz’s effort. That said, Diaz lived up to the billing as the brightest player on the field.
The goal underlined just how decisive Diaz was all evening. He influenced both of Colombia’s first two goals and gave Uzbekistan’s defense no real answer.
Uzbekistan Goes Close Before the End
Despite falling behind again, Uzbekistan kept pushing. Uzbekistan sought a consolation, and Karimov let fly from a distance with a thunderous hit. He was so unlucky to see his shot rattle the crossbar with Vargas beaten. It was a moment that summed up the night for Uzbekistan – full of effort, but ultimately just short of the rewards they deserved.
GOAL 4 – Jaminton Campaz, 90’+9′: The Final Seal
Juan Hernandez battled brilliantly to keep possession on the right before floating a pinpoint cross beyond the far post, where Campaz rose highest to head home and put the game beyond reach. The end-to-end clash was sealed by a 99th-minute header from substitute Jaminton Campaz, ensuring the first round of group-stage matches in North America ended on a high note.
Full Time and Group K Standings
Colombia beat a spirited Uzbekistan 3-1 to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to a winning start, going top of Group K after matchday one. After Portugal’s shocking draw with DR Congo earlier that day, Colombia now sits atop Group K as the only team with three points. DR Congo and Portugal both sit on one point each, while Uzbekistan is yet to open its account.
What’s Next
Colombia will look to build on this confident opening win as Group K continues. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, despite the defeat, can take real pride in Fayzullaev’s historic goal — a moment the nation will remember long after the tournament ends. Their next Group K fixtures will offer a fresh chance to add to their first-ever World Cup point tally.
