Colombia picked up an impressive 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup clash, getting their campaign off to a positive start. The two sides locked horns in Group K at the Mexico City Stadium on Wednesday, June 17.
Los Cafeteros were rewarded for their early dominance when Daniel Munoz volleyed home to make it 1-0 in the 40th minute. However, Uzbekistan responded against the run of play in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullayev’s header.
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Colombia weren’t to be denied as Luis Diaz restored their advantage five minutes later following a rapid counter-attack. Jaminton Campaz then emphatically headed home in the ninth minute of stoppage time to secure all three points for his side in their FIFA World Cup clash.
Without further ado, let’s dive into five talking points from their FIFA World Cup clash:
#5 Luis Diaz was unplayable
Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz was at his very best against Uzbekistan and was unplayable on the night. The 29-year-old had the most touches in the opposition box (six), scored one goal and provided one assist, hit the post once, and created two chances for his side. He also completed two out of his four attempted dribbles and was a constant threat, with Abdukodir Khusanov being unable to contain him.
#4 Suarez and Rodriguez need to step up going forward in FIFA World Cup
While Colombia dominated most of the game, they often struggled to break down Uzbekistan’s low block. Diaz appeared to be their only creative outlet down the left wing, but Nester Lorenzo and Co. were let down by Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez’s performances.
Despite being in-form for Sporting CP last season, Suarez was barely involved in Colombia’s attack, creating one chance and landing zero shots on goal. Rodriguez also wasn’t able to make much of an impact, creating zero chances, and landing one shot on target. Both attackers will need to step up in the upcoming FIFA World Cup games to support Diaz further.
#3 Colombia were dominant on the ball
Colombia were the heavy favorites coming into their FIFA World Cup clash against 50th-ranked Uzbekistan. They showed why, as they were dominant in possession and were eventually able to break down the White Wolves to secure the win.
Los Cafeteros had 61 percent possession and completed 444 passes with an accuracy of 86 percent. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan had 39 percent possession, completing 243 passes with an accuracy of 76 percent.
#2 Uzbekistan showed great resilience but need to be better going forward
Uzbekistan displayed great character and perseverance to defend well and grab an early equalizer in the second half. However, their lack of quality going forward came back to haunt them as Colombia staged a late comeback.
The White Wolves only managed to land eight shots in total, with two being on target. Even though they hit the woodwork twice, their xG was 1.16. In comparison, Colombia mustered 15 shots in total, with four being on target (xG of 1.61).
#1 All to play for in Group K in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Colombia got their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey off to a winning start following their 3-1 win. However, they now have a real chance of winning Group K after Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo earlier yesterday.
Los Cafeteros are currently first in their group with three points, while DR Congo and Portugal are in second and third place, respectively, with one point each. They will next face DR Congo on June 23.
Edited by Silas Sud
