Colombia Beat Uzbekistan as Luis Diaz Shines in World Cup Opener

Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Wednesday in their opening Group K match. The win came at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Luis Diaz scored a goal and set up another in his World Cup debut.

Quick match summary

How the goals happened

Colombia broke through in the 40th minute through a sharp move. Luis Diaz played a lofted pass into the box, and Daniel Munoz timed his run to poke it past the goalkeeper. It was Munoz's first World Cup goal.

Uzbekistan equalized in the 60th minute in dramatic fashion. Eldor Shomurodov's volley crashed off the post, and substitute Khamdamov kept the rebound alive. Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted fastest and nodded the ball into an empty net.

That goal marked Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup goal. The team is making its debut at the tournament this year.

Colombia responded within five minutes. Luis Diaz drove into the box and fired a low shot from close range. The ball deflected off goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov's hands and rolled into the net. It was Diaz's first career World Cup goal.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the win deep into stoppage time. Cucho Hernandez whipped in a cross from the right, and Campaz headed it home. Uzbekistan's Behruzjon Karimov nearly grabbed a late consolation, but his long-range strike crashed off the crossbar.

Luis Diaz steps into the spotlight

Diaz arrived at the tournament with less hype than some of Colombia's other stars. He still produced a goal and an assist in his first World Cup appearance. He had registered 49 goal involvements in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions before the tournament.

His passing for the opening goal showed his creative range. His finish for the second goal showed his instinct in front of the net. Both contributions came from the same player inside a 25-minute window.

A first World Cup goal for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan reached the World Cup for the first time in the country's history. Coach Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, took charge of the team in October 2025. He led the squad into its tournament debut against a far more experienced Colombia side.

Captain Eldor Shomurodov set up the moment that led to Fayzullaev's historic goal. Shomurodov was Uzbekistan's top scorer in the final round of Asian qualifying, with four goals. Uzbekistan finished second in that qualifying group, behind Iran.

Where this leaves Group K

Colombia moved to the top of Group K after the opening round of matches. Portugal and DR Congo had drawn 1-1 earlier the same day, leaving an opening at the top. Colombia capitalized on that result with their win.

Colombia also extended a strong record against Asian opponents. The team holds a 15-5-6 record across 26 past meetings with Asian nations in all competitions. That includes a 2-1 record against Asian teams specifically in World Cup matches.

Colombia had finished third in South American qualifying, behind Argentina and Ecuador. Wednesday's win still gave them a confident start to the tournament.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What was the final score between Colombia and Uzbekistan?

Colombia won 3-1 over Uzbekistan in their World Cup Group K opener.

Q: Did Luis Diaz score against Uzbekistan?

Yes, Diaz scored in the 65th minute and also assisted Colombia's first goal.

Q: Who scored Uzbekistan's goal?

Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan's goal, which was the country's first-ever World Cup goal.

Q: Who is Uzbekistan's head coach at the 2026 World Cup?

Fabio Cannavaro, Italy's 2006 World Cup winning captain, has coached Uzbekistan since October 2025.

Q: Where did Colombia finish in Group K after matchday one?

Colombia finished top of Group K following their win over Uzbekistan.