FIFA WC: When and where to watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia; know all details
Mexico City, June 17
Colombia will begin their World Cup campaign as clear favourites, but they cannot afford to overlook an Uzbekistan side eager to make history in their first appearance on football's biggest stage when the two sides face off at the Mexico City Stadium.
While the South Americans bring decades of tournament experience, their opponents arrive with confidence after navigating the Asian qualifiers without suffering a defeat and establishing themselves as one of the continent's toughest defensive teams.
Néstor Lorenzo has overseen a remarkable resurgence since taking charge, transforming Colombia into one of South America's most consistent sides. Backed by a squad featuring the pace of Luis Díaz and the creativity of James Rodríguez, Los Cafeteros possess the attacking quality to control proceedings, particularly in the final third. However, Lorenzo has stressed that Uzbekistan's organisation and counter-attacking threat make them a dangerous opening opponent.
For Uzbekistan, this fixture is about far more than simply making up the numbers. Led by World Cup-winning captain-turned-coach Fabio Cannavaro, the Central Asian nation has embraced the opportunity to test itself against established opposition on the grandest stage. Playing at the iconic Estadio Azteca only adds to the occasion, and if Uzbekistan can maintain the defensive discipline that carried them through qualifying, they could make Colombia work much harder than many expect before the final whistle.
How to watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia live in India:
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.
Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.
Key details
Date and kick-off time: Thursday, June 18, 07:30 AM IST
Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Ciudad de Mexico
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Squads:
Uzbekistan -
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev
Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Oston Urunov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov
Colombia -
Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, Álvaro Montero
Defenders: Johan Mojica, Devier Machado, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Willer Ditta
Midfielders: James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castaño, Jaminton Campaz
Forwards: Luis Díaz, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernández, Jhon Arias
— IANS
Reader Comments
So Zee5 is carrying the telecast? Good to see India getting coverage even without our team. 7:30 AM is a decent time for us. Hope Uzbekistan gives a good fight. Fabio Cannavaro as coach is interesting. 😎
I'm rooting for Uzbekistan honestly. They have that underdog spirit we Indians love. Shomurodov is a quality striker. But Colombia's pace on the wings might be too much. Should be a cracker of a match! ⚽
One minor thing I'd point out - these subscription prices are getting expensive for Indian viewers. But I guess it's better than nothing. Match analysis seems balanced. Colombia should win easily, but football is unpredictable. Let's wait and watch.
Watching from Chennai! This Colombia squad looks solid. James Rodríguez coming back to form is great for football. Uzbekistan's defensive record in Asia qualifiers is impressive though. They won't be pushovers. 🇮🇳⚽
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