In their World Cup 2026 opener, Colombia triumphed over Uzbekistan with a score of 3-1. The match showcased a strong performance from Luis Diaz, who not only scored a goal but also assisted in another, helping his team secure a crucial victory. The game was particularly significant for Uzbekistan, marking their first appearance in a World Cup.

Colombia took an early lead, dominating the first half with effective play. However, Uzbekistan responded well after the break, leveling the score at 1-1 when Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored, making history as the first player to net a goal for Uzbekistan in a World Cup match. This moment energized the Uzbek team and their supporters. Fayzullaev makes history by scoring Uzbekistan's first ever World Cup goal65: GOAL!

Luis Diaz was undoubtedly the standout player of the match. His ability to create opportunities and find the back of the net was pivotal for Colombia. After Uzbekistan equalized, Diaz quickly restored Colombia's lead, showcasing his skill and determination on the field.

In addition to Diaz, Jaminton Campaz played a crucial role in sealing the victory for Colombia. He scored in stoppage time, ensuring that Colombia walked away with all three points. This late goal not only confirmed the win but also highlighted Colombia's resilience and attacking prowess. Substitute Jaminton Campaz finally ended any doubt as he headed in Cucho Hernandez's cross nine minutes into stoppage time.

The match illustrated a tale of two halves, with Colombia initially dominating the play. They controlled the tempo and created several scoring opportunities in the first half. However, Uzbekistan's performance improved significantly in the second half, demonstrating their potential as a competitive team despite the loss.

Colombia's victory is a promising start for a team that missed out on the previous World Cup in Qatar. Coach Nestor Lorenzo expressed the importance of this win, emphasizing the need to build on this momentum as they progress through the tournament. For Uzbekistan, despite the defeat, the match served as a valuable experience on the world stage. We controlled the first half, but they played better in the second,” said Díaz, who plays for Bayern Munich.