World Cup: Luis Diaz sparks Colombia to a 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan

Luis Diaz produced a dazzling display as Colombia returned to the FIFA World Cup with an impressive 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan in their opening Group K match at the vibrant Azteca Stadium on Wednesday.

After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Colombia arrived in Mexico determined to make an immediate impact. They were given a further boost before kick-off when fellow Group K opponents Portugal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by DR Congo, opening the door for Nestor Lorenzo’s side to take early control of the group.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights

While Colombia were overwhelming favorites against an Uzbekistan side playing their first match at the World Cup, the South Americans initially found it difficult to convert their dominance into goals. They controlled possession and spent long spells camped inside the opposition half, but Uzbekistan remained disciplined and organized in defence.

The breakthrough finally came four minutes before the break and was created by Colombia’s brightest star. Diaz, who had troubled the Uzbek defense all evening, delivered a superb ball into the penalty area and Daniel Munoz ghosted behind his keeper and instinctively slotted past the keeper.

The goal capped a first half in which Colombia had largely dictated progress. Uzbekistan rarely threatened and struggled to get into Colombia’s half, but emerged from the break with renewed belief and gradually grew into a contest.

Their historic World Cup moment came on the hour. Eldor Shomurodov’s effort forced a save from goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who could only deflect the ball into the danger area. Abbosbek Fayzullaev was quickest to react, rising from close range to score Uzbekistan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

For a brief moment, the contest seemed much more complicated than Colombia had anticipated. The equalizer boosted the Central Asian side’s confidence and gave their supporters hope of a memorable result on the biggest stage.

However, these hopes were quickly extinguished by Diaz.

Just five minutes after Uzbekistan equalised, the Liverpool winger restored Colombia’s lead with a moment of quality befitting his performance. Diaz received the ball on the left side of the area, cut inside and calmly finished his finish past the keeper to score his first World Cup goal and send the heavily pro-Colombian crowd into celebration.

After regaining the lead, Colombia regained control of the match and continued to create openings. Uzbekistan refused to back down and looked set to threaten on the counter-attack, but Colombia’s superior quality began to show as the game entered the closing stages.

The South Americans were forced to wait until stoppage time to challenge the result. Substitute Jaminton Campaz rose highest in the penalty area to set up Colombia’s third goal to complete a convincing win and ensure there was no late drama.

The result sends Colombia top of Group K with three points after Portugal and DR Congo shared the spoils earlier in the day.

Colombia will now travel to Guadalajara to face DR Congo on June 23 knowing that another win could secure them a place in the knockout rounds. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, continue their first World Cup journey against Portugal in Houston, still looking for the first points in their World Cup history but buoyed by a spirited performance against one of South America’s strongest sides.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

18 Jun 2026 09:48 IST