World Cup 2026 | Uzbekistan 1 - 3 Colombia

Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a victory over debutants Uzbekistan.

Former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz both found the net.

Author | Jack L

Stadium | Azteca Stadium

Having missed out on the 2022 tournament, Colombia secured all three points at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to move to the top of Group K.

A closer analysis of what happened

Munoz opened the scoring with an outstanding full-stretch volley after meeting a superb forward pass from Diaz, who had earlier struck the post.

Uzbekistan, managed by Italy's World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, levelled on the hour when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had pushed away Eldor Shomurodov's effort.

But the South Americans restored their advantage almost immediately, with Diaz's shot finding the net despite Uzbekistan keeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands to the ball.

Uzbekistan, ranked 50th in the world, came close to making it 2-2 when Akmal Mozgovoy curled narrowly wide in the 90th minute, before Colombia substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a late third.

There was still time for Jakhongir Urozov to rattle the crossbar, but Colombia held on to claim the points.

Diaz was key

For Diaz, who helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2024-25 before completing a £65.5m move to Bayern Munich last summer, it was his first World Cup goal.

It followed an impressive debut season in Germany, where he scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists as Bayern completed a domestic league and cup double.