Luis Diaz, Colombia defeated the players of the World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan | World Cup 2026 news

The star striker scored a goal and set up another, as Colombia returned to winning ways at the FIFA World Cup.

Colombia opened theirs World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the match Aztec Stadium On Wednesday, Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz scored to end a strong second-half response from the hosts.

Uzbekistan They were punished for a long time under their Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro, but the Colombian’s great character showed in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 on a cold and rainy night in Mexico City.

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ColombiaCopa ⁠America finalists, saw early goals through Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez, but Uzbekistan sat deep, left the game and waited for mistakes. Bekhruz Karimov almost scored when he burst through, but Jhon Lucumi intervened before he could shoot.

Diaz had the clearest chance of the opening half when he hit the post, before Abdukodir Khusanov headed in after the winger dropped the ball, leaving the Colombian and the cameraman in need of medical attention.

Uzbekistan’s resistance was finally broken in the 40th minute. Diaz picked up the ball after a breakaway and cut into the path of Munoz, who headed home his third international goal.

The big Colombian crowd erupted, their yellow shirts making Azteca look and sound like home. The chants of “Vamos Colombia”, taken from a Club America-style choir, swirled around the floor, while a small Uzbek band responded with their own drums.

Faizullaev scored the first goal of the Uzbekistan World Cup

Uzbekistan improved after the break and equalized on the hour mark with the country’s first World Cup goal.

Dostonbek Khamdamov fed Eldor Shomurodov, whose shot from the right side of the box was saved by Camilo Vargas. The striker couldn’t get hold of it, however, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev nodded and fired home from close range.

However, Uzbekistan’s joy lasted only five minutes.

Gustavo Puerta brought on Diaz in the 65th minute, and the striker slotted home to restore Colombia’s lead. The crowd responded with chants of “Lucho, Lucho”.

Uzbekistan continued to push. Akmal Mozgovoy had a slow shot from the stoppage, Karimov hit the bar with an effort from distance, and Azizbek Amonov blocked a shot past Otabek Shukurov.

But Colombia had the last word, Campaz struck in the ninth minute to end the campaign in which Nestor Lorenzo’s team scored 15 to Uzbekistan’s nine, extending their recent club record to eight wins in eight World Cup games.

Colombia will face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara, after Uzbekistan play Portugal on the same day in Houston.

The FIFA World Cup starts on June 11. You can follow Al Jazeera’s coverage World Cup 2026 a page with the latest news, match updates and commentary, as well as know the standings of the team, real-time game results and schedules.