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Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan: Late Surge Settles Group K

Jun 17, 2026

Players celebrate a goal — Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their World Cup 2026 Group K opener in Mexico City on June 17

For an hour this had the makings of a scare. Colombia controlled the ball, led through a Daniel Muñoz finish, and looked comfortable — and then Uzbekistan, at their first World Cup, refused to read the script. Abbosbek Fayzullaev levelled it on the hour and for a few minutes Estadio Banorte held its breath. Colombia's answer came almost immediately: Luis Díaz restored the lead within five minutes, and a late Jaminton Campaz header stretched the gap the scoreline had never quite reflected. The 3-1 win sends Los Cafeteros top of Group K and turns the section on its head.

Daniel Muñoz drove Colombia in front on 40 minutes from a Luis Díaz through ball. Fayzullaev equalised for Uzbekistan on 60, only for Díaz to make it 2-1 on 65, and Campaz headed a third deep in stoppage time. Colombia finished with 61% of the ball, 15 shots to Uzbekistan's eight, and three points that move them clear of Portugal at the top of the group.

How did Colombia respond to Uzbekistan's equaliser?

Immediately, and that was the difference. Abbosbek Fayzullaev had just hauled Uzbekistan level on 60 minutes — a header from very close range into the top-left corner that briefly silenced a pro-Colombia crowd. A side prone to wobbling might have let the doubt settle. Colombia did the opposite.

Five minutes later it was 2-1. Gustavo Puerta slid the ball through and Luis Díaz took a touch before finishing from the centre of the box into the bottom-right corner. The equaliser had barely registered before Colombia had reasserted control, and from there the threat of an upset drained away.

What did Luis Díaz bring to Colombia's win?

A goal, an assist, and the moments that decided the game. Díaz threaded the through ball that Daniel Muñoz swept in for the opener on 40 minutes, and when Colombia needed an answer to Fayzullaev's leveller, he supplied it himself. One direct involvement either side of the interval, both of them turning points.

It is the kind of performance Colombia were banking on when we looked at the section in our Group K preview. Around him, Puerta's pass for the second and Cucho Hernández's late cross showed a supporting cast capable of more than feeding the star — but it was Díaz who gave the night its shape.

Did Uzbekistan deserve more from their World Cup debut?

On the balance of play, no — but they left with their heads up. Uzbekistan had just 38.6% of the ball and were second best for long stretches, yet they still managed eight shots and the hour-mark equaliser that made Colombia work for it. For a nation playing its first ever World Cup match, an hour spent level with one of the tournament's dark horses is no embarrassment.

Fayzullaev was the bright spot, the source of most of what Uzbekistan created going forward. The concern will be the manner of the goals they conceded — caught for the opener and undone again within five minutes of their own equaliser — but there was enough here to suggest they will trouble teams in this group.

What does this mean for Group K?

It reshapes the whole section. Colombia sit top on three points, and they have a cushion few expected them to hold over the group's headline name: Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo earlier the same matchday, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo's side three points adrift after a single round.

For Colombia, it is close to the ideal start — the win, top spot, and a marquee performance from Díaz, all without hitting top gear. The finish flattered them slightly, but three points against a stubborn debutant, banked while their main rival dropped two, is exactly what they came to Mexico City for. Group K, written off in advance as Portugal's to lose, suddenly looks wide open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in Uzbekistan vs Colombia at World Cup 2026?

Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia. Colombia won their Group K opener at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City on June 17, 2026. Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and Jaminton Campaz scored for Colombia; Abbosbek Fayzullaev replied for Uzbekistan.

Who scored in Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan?

Daniel Muñoz drove Colombia in front on 40 minutes with a right-footed finish from a Luis Díaz through ball. Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised for Uzbekistan on 60. Luis Díaz made it 2-1 on 65 minutes and Jaminton Campaz headed a third on 90+9 from a Cucho Hernández cross.

How many goals did Luis Díaz score against Uzbekistan?

Luis Díaz scored once and assisted once. He set up Daniel Muñoz's opener with a through ball and then restored Colombia's lead on 65 minutes, finishing from the centre of the box just five minutes after Uzbekistan had equalised.

Did Uzbekistan compete on their World Cup debut?

Yes. Uzbekistan, playing at their first World Cup, had only 38.6% of the ball but registered eight shots and briefly drew level through Abbosbek Fayzullaev's header on 60 minutes before Colombia's quality told in the closing half hour.

What does the result mean for World Cup 2026 Group K?

It puts Colombia top of Group K on three points after the opening round. Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo the same matchday, so Colombia lead the group by three points, reshaping a section many expected Portugal to control.

Data sources

Published: Jun 17, 2026