Colombia opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, gaining an early edge in Group K. Luis Diaz led the display at Mexico City Stadium, scoring once and setting up Daniel Munoz. Jaminton Campaz added a late header, while debutants Uzbekistan briefly drew level before Colombia restored control.

The result followed Portugal’s draw with DR Congo earlier on 18 June 2026. That outcome meant both Colombia and Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan understood the chance in front of them. Victory would move either side clear of one of the group favourites. Colombia handled that pressure with more assurance and attacking intent across the 90 minutes.

Nestor Lorenzo’s team dictated the pace from kick-off and spent long spells in Uzbekistan’s half. Colombia had 72% possession before the break and circulated the ball patiently. However, clear chances were rare for a while. Munoz did not test Utkir Yusupov until the 40th minute, yet that first effort brought a spectacular volleyed opener.

That strike also extended an impressive pattern for Munoz at international level. The wing-back has four goals from 47 caps for Colombia. Each of the last three has arrived during major tournaments. His timing in the penalty area once again matched that of leading Colombia attackers such as Diaz and James Rodriguez.

Uzbekistan’s first half highlighted the difficulties faced on a World Cup debut. Cannavaro’s players did not register a single touch inside Colombia’s box before half-time. They were the only team at this tournament so far with that statistic. Their expected goals total stood at just 0.02 at that stage, showing how little threat they offered.

The pattern changed slightly after the interval as Uzbekistan grew bolder. On the hour, a rare attack brought the country’s first World Cup goal. Dostonbek Khamdamov recycled a loose ball and crossed towards Eldor Shomurodov. The forward’s volley was blocked, but the rebound rolled across goal, leaving Abbosbek Fayzullaev free to head into an unguarded net.

Colombia answered quickly and punished a careless giveaway in midfield five minutes later. Gustavo Puerta drove forward during a swift counter and slipped a pass into Diaz. The Bayern Munich winger aimed low, and the shot squeezed beyond Yusupov’s weak attempt to save. Diaz became only the second Colombian to score and assist in one World Cup match, after James Rodriguez against Japan 12 years earlier.

Diaz also topped several attacking metrics. The former Liverpool forward recorded six touches in the opposition box, the most on the pitch. Diaz contested 12 duels and won eight of them, helping Colombia maintain pressure high up the field. Diaz has now contributed to a goal in six straight competitive internationals, with four goals and four assists, including three assists across the last three appearances.

The contest still carried a hint of jeopardy heading into stoppage time, with Uzbekistan chasing another equaliser. Colombia then produced a final decisive move in the eighth added minute. Cucho Hernandez dug out a deep cross from the right under pressure. Substitute Campaz arrived at the far post and guided a close-range header past Yusupov, moments before Bekhruz Karimov struck the woodwork at the other end.

Earlier in the match, Colombia had threatened from distance before finding their accuracy. Jhon Arias went close in the 17th minute with a 20-yard drive that skimmed past the near post. Diaz then struck the upright after 32 minutes, signalling rising Colombian pressure. The breakthrough finally came eight minutes later when Munoz met Diaz’s lofted pass and finished on the turn.

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The table above summarises Colombia’s superiority against Uzbekistan, underlining their control of the ball and their sharper edge in attack. Those advantages, combined with Diaz’s influence and effective contributions from Munoz and Campaz, allowed Colombia to capitalise on Portugal’s earlier slip and take command of Group K after their first match.