Luis Diaz marked his FIFA World Cup debut in style with a goal and an assist as Colombia opened their 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan to move top of Group K ahead of Portugal.At the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, the South Americans showed their supreme experience and quality to secure the three points in front of a crowd of 80,824 at the Estadio Azteca. Portugal’s surprise 1-1 draw against DR Congo earlier in the day ensured Nestor Lorenzo’s side finished the opening round of matches as group leaders.
Diaz inspires Colombia on their way back to the World Cup
Colombia dominated possession from the start and repeatedly tested Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan side. Luis Diaz came close to scoring in the 33rd minute when he burst through the defence, only for his effort to crash into the far post.The turning point came five minutes before halftime. Jefferson Lerma slipped delicately across the Uzbekistan backline and Daniel Munoz timed his run perfectly before volleying a first-time volley over goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to give Colombia a deserved lead.Munoz, like Diaz, was making his first appearance on football’s grandest stage and celebrated his first World Cup goal in memorable fashion.
Uzbekistan hit back before Colombia regain control
The World Cup debutants refused to back down and equalized in the 60th minute. Eldor Shomurodov’s volley was spilled by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickly to head home the rebound to send the Uzbek fans into celebration.However, parity lasted only five minutes.A loose throw-in near midfield allowed Colombia to counterattack quickly. Gustavo Puerta found Diaz in the area and the Liverpool striker calmly slotted past Yusupov. The goalkeeper got a hand on the shot but could not prevent it from flying over the line.Substitute Jaminton Campaz then sealed the win deep into stoppage time with Colombia’s third goal.
The order of group K is taking shape
The win lifted the 13th-ranked Colombians above Portugal and DR Congo in Group K after they drew 1-1 earlier.Colombia, quarter-finalists at the 2014 World Cup, next face DR Congo in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan will look to bounce back against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Houston.
