Colombia secured a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Thursday to open their 2026 World Cup campaign at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The win marks a successful return to the global stage for the South American squad under manager Néstor Lorenzo after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring for Colombia in the 40th minute, converting an opportunity assisted by Luis Díaz. Uzbekistan, making their first-ever World Cup appearance as the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the tournament, arrived with a strong defensive reputation curated by manager Fabio Cannavaro. They found their footing in the second half when Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized in the 60th minute, officially recording the country’s first historical World Cup goal.
The tie was short-lived. Luis Díaz restored Colombia’s lead just five minutes later with a 65th-minute strike. The performance propelled the squad to the top of Group K, capitalizing heavily on the unexpected 1-1 draw between group rivals Portugal and DR Congo earlier in the day, according to Fox Sports.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the result in stoppage time, putting a header into the net in the 99th minute (90′). Colombia maintained clear tactical superiority throughout the match, finishing with 61% possession and firing 15 total shots compared to Uzbekistan’s 8. The statistical advantage was reflected in their expected goals (xG) output, outproducing Uzbekistan 1.61 to 1.14.