June 18, 2026
Colombia’s forward #07 Luis Diaz controls the ball past Uzbekistan’s defender #02 Abdukodir Khusanov and Colombia’s midfielder #21 Jaminton Campaz during the 2026 World Cup Group K football match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 17, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)
Colombia beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening Group K game on Wednesday thanks to an inspired performance from Luis Diaz at the Estadio Azteca.
The Bayern Munich forward provided an assist, a goal and also hit the post as the Colombians resisted a battling performance from the Uzbeks in front of 80,824 spectators in Mexico City.
Diaz’s superb lofted pass allowed Daniel Munoz to volley in after 40 minutes, but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized with his nation’s maiden World Cup goal as he reacted first to head in a rebound from Eldor Shomurodov’s saved volley.
