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The first round of group matches at the 2026 World Cup are complete, as Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City.
With the other two teams in Group K, Portugal and DR Congo, sharing a surprise 1-1 draw earlier in the day, Colombia lead the group with two games to play.
It was the perfect World Cup return for Colombia, who failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. Goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz delivered the points, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’ first World Cup goal on the hour mark to briefly draw level and make Colombia sweat.
You can follow live reaction and analysis from Estadio Azteca below.
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GO FURTHER
Colombia beats Uzbekistan at World Cup, taking full advantage of Portugal slip-up
Not only was this the final of the opening games at this World Cup. We also stretched the timings.
Johan Mojica’s booking after seven minutes was the fastest card of this tournament so far.
And then Jaminton Campaz’s super header on 98 minutes 9 seconds, the latest non-extra time goal scored by Colombia in a World Cup match.
I’m sure we’ll see earlier cards over the coming weeks though.
More numbers? You’re welcome!
Luis Diaz became the first player at this World Cup to have a goal, assist and hit the woodwork in the same match.
He is also only the second Colombian player to score and assist in a World Cup match since records began in 1966 — the other being James Rodriguez against Japan at Brazil 2014.
And if you’re wondering how Colombia-dominated the soundtrack was at this Santa Monica establishment?
“Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira just came on for the second time in three songs, bookending “Bailando”.
Quite.
I was at a bar watchalong in a faux English pub with no other English representation than The Athletic.
When the third goal went in, the place — dominated by Colombian fans — went wild. Bar bell ringing, Latino music on, chants of “Viva Colombia!”
Los Cafeteros are vociferously supported here in diverse, Hispanic-influenced LA and will be a tough nut to crack for any side facing them at the tournament.
The two-goal final margin concealed how competitive Uzbekistan were on their World Cup debut.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s equaliser, Uzbekistan’s first goal at a World Cup, made the game interesting in the second half and provided a highlight the Uzbeks will never forget.
And although it was late in the game with Colombia already 3-1 up, Bekhruz Karimov blasted a shot that hit the crossbar and nearly added another goal to Uzbekistan’s historic night.
Colombia played their part as pre-match favourites, but Uzbekistan created opportunities in the second half and won’t be a pushover in either of their remaining Group K games.
Colombia got away with it tonight; they may not be so fortunate again.
There is an old footballing truth — the chances you decline to take have a habit of returning as goals at the other end — and Uzbekistan came within a whisker of proving it.
Against what awaits in Group K, that missing killer instinct could bite: Portugal and a spirited DR Congo will be far less charitable than the White Wolves were.
None of which should mask the obvious — this is a gifted, well-drilled Colombia side, packed with match-winners. But to go deep here, turning dominance into daylight is the next step.
You can pore over all the match stats here on our matchday dashboard.
Given all the possession, territory and pressure from Colombia — as well as twice as many shots on target — there really wasn’t much in it in terms of the quality of chances created (xG).
It took longer than expected, but Group K finally has a leader.
Colombia’s win bodes well for their chances of moving past the group stage. Their chance of advancing to the round of 32 rose to 96 per cent, per The Athletic’s model.
With a win over DR Congo, Colombia would be home and hosed for the knockouts.
Uzbekistan will have to pick up points immediately to keep their hopes alive. Although they put in a shift of physicality on their World Cup debut, they now stand at a 20 per cent chance of advancing — and with a daunting match against Portugal next.
Fabio Cannavaro has his team. The subs he made, made Uzbekistan much better.
A hand in everything good Colombia produced. Luis Diaz laid on the opener for Daniel Munoz with a perfectly weighted pass, struck the woodwork while it was still goalless, and then effectively decided matters himself, drifting in from the left to bend home a crucial second goal.
On a patchy night for the favourites, his class was ultimately the difference between the sides.
Six Colombia players spent most of the game in the Uzbekistan half, on average.
You can also see that it got a big congested in central areas.
The antithesis of that stunning final goal though, it must be said.
For anybody who took that in at 3am UK time, no regrets. Great game.
He may be much maligned in Colombia but Nestor Lorenzo got it all right in Mexico City.
Puerta for Rios to start and while fans hoped to see Juan Fernando Quintero, the manager made the changes that fit the chaotic ending to that match.
Cucho Hernandez and Jaminton Campaz both came on late and combined for Colombia’s third goal.
No denying that Colombia deserved their win. But Group K is in a fascinating spot after the opening games, for sure.
Uzbekistan can still give Portugal and DR Congo some issues in their remaining group games, for sure.
Three points then, but Nestor Lorenzo will know his team made heavy weather of it.
Colombia bossed long stretches without ever truly burying the contest, and they were given a fright for that hesitancy when Abbosbek Fayzullaev levelled early in the second half.
Luis Diaz restored the advantage within minutes. Withdrawing Fayzullaev — their one true spark — looked to have drawn Uzbekistan’s teeth, yet the debutants had a sting in the tail, going within inches of a leveller in the final minutes.
Colombia not only survived it but landed a sucker punch of their own, substitute Cucho Hernandez doing all the spadework to tee up fellow replacement Campaz for a header that made it 3-1.
With Portugal and DR Congo having shared the points earlier, victory lifts Colombia to the top of Group K.
FT: Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia
Karimov smashes the underside of the crossbar from distance — that would have been an incredible goal.
And that is the last action. The final whistle blows.
Colombia have their win! Uzbekistan have a bit to do, but with a bit to build on.
90+9’ Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia
AND THAT’S A REPLY! Campaz scores a brilliant header from Hernandez’s stunning assist — work rate and then cross.
OUTSTANDING.
PERFECTION! 🇨🇴
Colombia seals the win with an incredible effort on the goal pic.twitter.com/OyEpcC1wDX
90+8’ Uzbekistan 1-2 Colombia
Late Uzbekistan free kick. Chance to deliver. It sails behind for a goal kick.
I think that sums up Tim’s earlier point.
90+3’ Uzbekistan 1-2 Colombia
A final change from Uzbekistan, as Shomurodov is done. Igor Sergeev comes on in his place with maybe five minutes to play.
Team Stats
UZB
COL
Game Details
