Luis Díaz delivered a match-winning performance as Colombia opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, moving to the top of Group K after the opening round of matches at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.
The Bayern Munich forward played a decisive role with one goal and one assist, helping Los Cafeteros secure three valuable points at the Azteca Stadium while taking advantage of Portugal’s 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier in the group.
For World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, the defeat was softened by a historic milestone as they scored their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
Colombia gradually asserted their dominance after a balanced opening spell.
Luis Díaz almost broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when his powerful effort struck the post, signalling the growing pressure from Néstor Lorenzo’s side.
The breakthrough finally arrived moments before halftime.
Díaz delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area, where Daniel Muñoz timed his run brilliantly before finishing past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to hand Colombia a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal marked Colombia’s first FIFA World Cup strike in eight years and rewarded their patient attacking approach.
The Asian representatives emerged from the interval with renewed energy and determination.
Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when they etched their names into the history books.
After Eldor Shomurodov’s volley crashed against the crossbar, Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest to head home the rebound from close range, scoring Uzbekistan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and levelling the match at 1-1.
It was a landmark moment for the Central Asian nation in their first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Colombia wasted little time restoring their advantage.
Just five minutes after the equaliser, Gustavo Puerta released Díaz with an incisive through ball. The Colombian star calmly struck towards goal, and although the effort appeared manageable, goalkeeper Yusupov misjudged the shot, allowing the ball to slip into the net.
The goal shifted momentum firmly back in Colombia’s favour and dealt a major blow to Uzbekistan’s hopes of earning a famous result.
Uzbekistan continued to push forward in search of another equaliser, but Colombia managed the closing stages with composure.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Jaminton Campaz put the result beyond doubt, powering home a header to complete a convincing 3-1 victory for the South American side.
The victory sees Colombia temporarily move to the summit of Group K with three points and a superior goal difference after the opening round of fixtures.
Portugal sit behind them following their draw with DR Congo, while Uzbekistan remain without points despite producing a spirited performance and celebrating a historic first World Cup goal.
Colombia will now look to strengthen their position in the group in their second match, while Uzbekistan will aim to build on the positives from an encouraging World Cup debut as they continue their quest for a first-ever point on football’s biggest stage.
Credit Photo : UFA
