Luis Diaz inspires Colombia past debutants Uzbekistan on their World Cup return
Luis Diaz scored and set up another on his World Cup debut as Colombia saw off tournament newcomers Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca, though a historic Uzbek goal briefly gave them a scare.
Jun 18, 2026
Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a statement, beating tournament debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their Group K opener at a heaving Estadio Azteca. Luis Diaz ran the show on his World Cup bow, scoring once and setting up another as Los Cafeteros shook off a brief scare in Mexico City overnight.
This was Colombia’s first World Cup appearance since 2018, having sat out Qatar 2022 after a dismal qualifying campaign. The eight-year wait clearly meant something to a side ranked 13th in the world, and once they settled they had far too much for an Uzbekistan team appearing at the finals for the first time in their history.
Diaz the difference at the Azteca
The breakthrough arrived on 40 minutes, and it was Diaz who carved it open. The winger drove at the Uzbek defence before sliding the ball to full-back Daniel Munoz, who arrived late in the box to finish. It was the kind of moment Colombia had been threatening, and it sent them in ahead at the break in front of a crowd of 80,824.
Uzbekistan, ranked 50th and written off by most before kick-off, refused to fold. On the hour mark Abbosbek Fayzullaev levelled with a goal that will live long in the country’s football memory, the first Uzbekistan have ever scored at a World Cup. For a few minutes the Azteca held its breath.
Colombia’s response was swift. Five minutes later Diaz restored the lead himself, his effort squirming through the hands of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and over the line. The finish lacked cleanliness but not importance, and it settled a contest that had threatened to turn awkward. Jaminton Campaz then made the points safe deep into a lengthy stoppage-time period, pouncing on a cross from the right to round off the 3-1 win.
A debut to be proud of for Uzbekistan
For Uzbekistan, the scoreline will sting less than the performance pleased. The first Central Asian nation to reach a men’s World Cup, they arrived in Mexico as the rank outsiders of the group and left the Azteca with a goal to frame and plenty of belief. Fayzullaev, one of the brightest talents in their squad, looked every bit the player who can trouble bigger names as the tournament wears on.
They will need that belief, because Group K does not get easier. Portugal and DR Congo had drawn 1-1 earlier in the day, a result that left Colombia top of the table after this win and kept the section tight.
Plenty to build on for Colombia
Colombia will be the happier of the two, though their coaching staff will know the second-half wobble needs ironing out. James Rodriguez, captaining the side, pulled the strings before being withdrawn for Campaz on 71 minutes, and the veteran’s influence remains central to how this team functions. Their best World Cup run came in 2014, when they reached the quarter-finals in Brazil, and a side built around Diaz and Rodriguez will fancy going deep again.
Next up are DR Congo, with Uzbekistan facing the daunting task of Portugal. On this evidence Colombia have the firepower to navigate the group, but they were given a reminder that nobody at this World Cup is here to make up the numbers.