Colombia Opens World Cup Campaign With 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan

Colombia started its 2026 World Cup campaign on Thursday morning with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Group I at Estadio Azteca, taking three important points in its first match of the tournament. Daniel Munoz put Colombia ahead in the 40th minute, Abdukodir Khusanov? No, the equalizer came from Abusbek Fayzullaev in the 60th minute for Uzbekistan, and the visitors then sealed the result with late goals from Luis Diaz in the 65th minute and Jamilton Campas in stoppage time.

The match marked Uzbekistan’s historic World Cup debut, and it also produced the Asian side’s first ever goal in the competition. Colombia controlled much of the first half, and before halftime Diaz delivered a fine cross that Munoz finished past goalkeeper Otkir Yusupov for a deserved 1-0 lead. Uzbekistan struggled to threaten and managed only one shot in the opening half.

The Uzbeks responded after the break, with captain Eldor Shomurodov striking a volley off the crossbar before Fayzullaev reacted from close range to make it 1-1. The equalizer briefly lifted the match, but Colombia answered quickly. Gustavo Puerta found Diaz with a smart pass, and the Bayern Munich forward fired from inside the area. Yusupov got a touch but could not keep the ball out.

Uzbekistan improved in the second half but could not force a second equalizer. Deep in added time, Campas headed in the third goal after an assist from Cucho Hernandez. After the game, Fabio Cannavaro said, "I am proud of my players, but at this level you pay for mistakes." In the group standings, Colombia leads with three points, followed by Portugal and DR Congo on one point each, while Uzbekistan is last with zero. Colombia next faces DR Congo, and Uzbekistan will meet Portugal.