FIFA WC 2026: Diaz lifts Colombia past Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K
Mexico City, June 18
Colombia celebrated their return to the FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan here at Mexico City Stadium. Luis Diaz was the star attraction after expertly setting up Daniel Munoz's first-half opener before securing the victory in the second stanza.
Prior to Thursday's match, Colombia, who are back at the World Cup after missing out in 2022 for their World Cup, had lost their opening match in four of their six FIFA World Cup appearances, including a 2-1 defeat by Japan at Russia 2018.
The end-to-end clash, which was sealed by a 99th-minute header from substitute Jaminton Campaz, ensured the first round of group-stage matches in North America ended on a high note. With Portugal being held to a draw by Congo, Colombia have now taken early control of Group K.
There was a moment to remember for Uzbekistan when Abbosbek Fayzullaev levelled the scores for the team's maiden World Cup goal. But with Diaz pulling the strings, the South Americans proved too strong in the end.
Colombia had the first chance in the 17th minute when midfielder Jhon Arias struck the side netting from distance. They came even closer in the 32nd minute when Diaz guided a left-footed effort past Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and on to the foot of the post.
It seemed just a matter of time before Colombia would break the deadlock when Diaz's pinpoint pass over the Uzbek backline was expertly flicked on by Munoz with the outside of his boot five minutes before the break, FIFA reports.
Uzbekistan refused to give up and levelled the scores when Dostonbek Khamdamov's volleyed effort following Eldor Shomurdov's left-wing cross struck the post and fell into the path of Fayzullaev, who headed home for a historic goal.
Colombia immediately fought back and restored the lead after Diaz's low strike hit the gloves of Yusupov and crossed the line. It was Diaz's inaugural World Cup goal.
The three points were sealed deep into injury time when Cucho Hernandez brilliantly won the ball on the right wing and crossed to fellow substitute Campaz, who powered home a header.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see Uzbekistan make their debut and score their first World Cup goal! Fayzullaev will never forget that moment. But Colombia's experience showed in the end. 99th-minute winner? Madness! These are the kind of matches that make the World Cup special. India could learn a lot from how smaller nations like Uzbekistan prepare for the big stage.
Diaz is pure entertainment! That pass for Munoz's goal was inch-perfect. I'm glad Colombia are back after missing 2022. But I have to say, Uzbekistan showed real character—they didn't just park the bus, they went for it. Shomurdov was causing problems all game. Group K is wide open now with Portugal drawing. 🔥
World Cup debuts are always special, and Uzbekistan did themselves proud. That historic first goal will be remembered forever in Tashkent. Colombia were clinical though—Diaz is a proper match-winner. My only criticism is the defending for the equalizer; Colombia switched off there. Still, Campaz's header in injury time was the perfect climax. 🇨🇴⚡
As an Indian football fan, I love watching debutants at the World Cup—it gives us hope that one day we'll be there too. Uzbekistan played with heart and got their first goal, that's huge! But Colombia's quality was too much. Diaz was unplayable at times. Great advertisement for football in North America. 👏
Thrilling match! Colombia's attack is formidable with Diaz pulling the strings. But I noticed their defense looked shaky at
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