Luis Diaz Shines as Colombia Defeats Uzbekistan in World Cup 2026 Debut

Colombia kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant performance against Uzbekistan, thanks to goals from Luis Diaz, Daniel Munoz, and Jaminton Campaz.

Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their World Cup 2026 group-stage opener at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Luis Diaz scored and assisted in front of 80,824 spectators. The game unfolded on a cool, rain-tinged evening and featured a historic first World Cup goal for Uzbekistan before Colombia closed it out with a late strike in second-half stoppage time.

Last update: 18 June 2026.

The result put Colombia top of a group that includes Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, extending their strong group-stage run to seven wins in their last eight World Cup matches. Uzbekistan, coached by Italian great Fabio Cannavaro, showed resilience in their tournament debut and generated late chances, underscoring the competitiveness of this opening fixture at the iconic venue.

Diaz’s goal and assist seal Colombia’s start at Estadio Azteca

Luis Diaz, recently transferred to Bayern Munich from Liverpool, led Colombia’s attack with a decisive contribution. After striking the post earlier, Diaz produced a pinpoint delivery in the 40th minute for Daniel Munoz, who guided a neat finish beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov for his third international goal.

Diaz then restored Colombia’s lead in the 65th minute, side-footing across goal with a shot Yusupov failed to keep out, prompting loud chants of “Lucho, Lucho” from Colombian supporters.

With the match still in balance deep into added time, substitute Jaminton Campaz delivered the final blow. In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Campaz met a cross from Cucho Hernandez with a firm header to secure the 3-1 scoreline. Reflecting on the performance, Diaz said, “I’m living out my childhood dream. What could be more beautiful than contributing with a goal and an assist? We’re a very close-knit group, we’ll keep improving game by game, and I’m just very, very happy.”

Uzbekistan’s historic equaliser and late push under Cannavaro

Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal arrived in the 60th minute and briefly shifted momentum. Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed in from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas parried Eldor Shomurodov’s volley, a moment that sparked celebrations among the debutants. The equaliser highlighted the team’s organisation and belief under Cannavaro as they pressed to keep pace with the more experienced South American side.

Chasing a late leveller after Diaz’s strike, Uzbekistan carved out chances in the closing stages. Teenager Bekhruz Karimov rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort, and Akmal Mozgovoy shot narrowly wide in stoppage time as Colombia absorbed pressure. Despite the push, Colombia’s compact shape and the decisive header from Campaz ended the contest, ensuring the points and preserving control of the group landscape.

Schedule and group implications after Mexico City opener

The win positions Colombia strongly before their second group match, scheduled in Guadalajara against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The performance at Estadio Azteca showcased depth, with effective contributions from starters and substitutes, and maintained momentum from recent major-tournament group campaigns. Colombia’s ability to respond immediately after conceding will be a focus for the technical staff in the days ahead.

Uzbekistan will face Portugal in Houston as they seek their first World Cup points after registering a landmark goal in their debut. The display against Colombia, including sustained phases of pressure and late attempts from distance, suggested room for growth as the tournament progresses. Both fixtures are set for Tuesday, aligning with the group’s rotation across venues in North America.