Colombia kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca, overcoming a second-half scare to claim all three points in their opening Group K encounter.
Despite entering the contest as overwhelming favourites, Los Cafeteros were forced to dig deep against a determined Uzbekistan side that refused to be intimidated on the biggest stage in world football.
The opening stages lacked intensity, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. However, Colombia gradually began to take control, and Jhon Arias nearly sparked the breakthrough when his powerful strike from distance flashed into the side netting after 17 minutes.
As the half progressed, Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov found himself increasingly isolated up front, while Colombia’s attacking players started to find more space. Luis Diaz came agonisingly close to opening the scoring just after the half-hour mark, drifting into the left side of the box before crashing a low effort against the post.
The pressure finally paid off moments before halftime. Diaz delivered a superb cross into the penalty area and Daniel Munoz met it brilliantly, firing an unstoppable finish beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to give Colombia a deserved lead.
Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan side offered little attacking threat during the first period and went into the break fortunate to be trailing by only a single goal.
The second half began in a similar fashion, with neither side able to establish any real momentum. Then, completely against the run of play, Uzbekistan produced a historic moment.
Just after the hour mark, Shomurodov unleashed a stunning volley that rattled the crossbar. The rebound fell perfectly for Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who reacted quickest to head home from close range and score Uzbekistan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The celebrations were memorable, but they did not last long.
The equaliser appeared to wake Colombia up, and Nestor Lorenzo’s men quickly regained control. With 25 minutes remaining, Gustavo Puerta threaded a clever pass into the path of Diaz, whose effort from inside the area slipped through the hands of Yusupov and rolled into the net to restore Colombia’s advantage.
Uzbekistan continued to battle and showed far more attacking ambition than they had in the opening half, but they struggled to create another clear opportunity against a Colombian defence that regained its composure.
Deep into stoppage time, Colombia finally made the result safe. Jaminton Campaz rose highest inside the box to power home an excellent header and put the game beyond doubt, sealing an important opening victory for the South Americans.
After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Colombia could hardly have asked for a better start to their return to football’s biggest stage. Lorenzo’s side will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against DR Congo, knowing another victory could put them in a commanding position in Group K.
For Uzbekistan, there were plenty of positives despite the defeat. Their historic first World Cup goal will be remembered for years to come, but a difficult challenge awaits next when they face Portugal in their second group match.
