Colombia vs Uzbekistan: Result, Stats & Predictions (World Cup 2026)
Colombia beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca, with Luis Díaz scoring and assisting in a wild Group K opener.
17 June 2026
Colombia 3–1 Uzbekistan — World Cup 2026 Group K
Result
Colombia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3–1 win over debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Daniel Muñoz scored first for Colombia in the 40th minute, but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised after half-time — Uzbekistan's first ever World Cup goal. Luis Díaz restored Colombia's lead in the 65th minute, and substitute Jáminton Campaz headed in a late insurance goal in the 90+9 minute to settle a wilder-than-expected match. A hard-fought opening win for Los Cafeteros, who left it later than expected to put the game to bed.
What it means for Last Man Standing pools
Colombia were a reasonable pick for Last Man Standing players — strong enough to expect a win, not high-profile enough to be a wasted choice on a big team. The result delivers the three points, but Uzbekistan's equaliser mid-way through the second half will have given pool players an uncomfortable 25 minutes. Campaz's stoppage-time header turned what could have been a nervy finish into comfortable territory. Colombia are safe picks in the next round if they reproduce this attacking energy — but the defence showed vulnerabilities worth noting.
Pre-match forecasts
Pre-match models were near-unanimous in backing Colombia. Kalshi gave Colombia a 72% win probability, while CBS Sports and WhoScored both projected a 2–0 Colombia win. Colombia entered the tournament ranked 14th in the FIFA rankings against Uzbekistan's 51st — a significant quality gap on paper. The 3–1 scoreline broadly matched expectations, though Uzbekistan's ability to draw level in the second half surprised most forecasters. Few predicted that the match would still be in doubt entering the 90th minute, or that Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal would come from a midfielder in only their nation's first-ever World Cup match.
Standout stats
Luis Díaz became the first player of the 2026 World Cup tournament to record a goal, an assist, and hit the woodwork in a single match, per Opta match data. He also became only the second Colombian player to score and assist in the same World Cup match since records began in 1966, following James Rodríguez against Japan in 2014. Díaz led all players on the pitch in touches in the opposing box (six), total duels (12), and duels won (eight) — a dominant individual display. Abbosbek Fayzullaev's equaliser was Uzbekistan's first ever goal in World Cup history, coming in their nation's debut match at the tournament — a landmark moment for Central Asian football that will be remembered regardless of what follows in Group K.
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