Colombia Beat Uzbekistan to Complete World Cup Opening Round

Colombia closed out Group K's opening matches with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. The match at Estadio Azteca marked the final game of the World Cup's first round. Every one of the tournament's 48 teams had now played at least once.

Quick match facts

A nervy start for Colombia

Colombia created the game's first real chance through John Arias and Luis Diaz. Arias slipped a pass through for Diaz, but his shot struck the post. Colombia kept pushing and finally broke through in the 40th minute.

Diaz set up that goal too, lofting a pass into the box for Daniel Munoz. Munoz timed his run well and poked the ball past the goalkeeper. Colombia took a 1-0 lead into the second half.

Uzbekistan defender Behruzjon Karimov fouled Diaz on a promising counterattack before half-time. The referee chose not to book him for the challenge. James Rodriguez also tested the Uzbekistan goalkeeper with a long-range shot that lacked power.

Khusanov and Uzbekistan push back

Uzbekistan's defense featured Abdukodir Khusanov, who joined Manchester City from Lens in 2025 for 40 million euros. He is considered one of the fastest defenders in football and the first Uzbek player in the Premier League. His pace helped Uzbekistan stay in the contest defensively.

In attack, Uzbekistan found their breakthrough in the 60th minute. Captain Eldor Shomurodov struck a volley that crashed off the post. The rebound stayed alive, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted first to head it into an empty net.

That goal gave Uzbekistan their first-ever World Cup goal in the country's history. The team had never appeared at a World Cup before this tournament.

Diaz responds, Campaz seals it

Colombia answered five minutes after Uzbekistan's equalizer. Diaz drove into the box and fired a low shot from close range. The ball deflected off the goalkeeper's hands before crossing the line.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz added a third goal deep into stoppage time. Cucho Hernandez delivered a cross from the right, and Campaz headed it home. Uzbekistan's Karimov nearly grabbed a consolation goal moments later, but his shot crashed off the crossbar.

What the result means for Group K

Colombia's win completed the opening round of matches for all 48 teams at this World Cup. Every nation in the expanded tournament format had now played once. Colombia moved level on points with the group's other winning side after the round.

Portugal and DR Congo had drawn 1-1 earlier on the same day. That result opened the door for Colombia to take an early lead in Group K. Colombia made the most of that opportunity with their win over Uzbekistan.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who scored Colombia's goals against Uzbekistan?

Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, and Jaminton Campaz scored Colombia's three goals in the match.

Q: Was this Uzbekistan's first World Cup match?

Yes, Uzbekistan played their first-ever World Cup match and scored their first World Cup goal.

Q: Who captained Colombia in this match?

James Rodriguez captained Colombia in their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Q: Which Uzbekistan player plays for Manchester City?

Defender Abdukodir Khusanov plays for Manchester City after a 2025 transfer from Lens.

Q: Did this match complete the World Cup's opening round?

Yes, this was the final match of the first round, with all 48 teams playing.