Mexico City: Luis Díaz starred as Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mexico City Stadium on Thursday.
Díaz created Daniel Muñoz’s first-half opener and later scored his first World Cup goal to restore Colombia’s lead after Abbosbek Fayzullaev had equalised for debutants Uzbekistan. Jaminton CamPAZ sealed the win with a 99th-minute header after being introduced as a substitute.
Colombia started brightly and threatened in the 17th minute when Jhon Arias hit the side netting. Díaz nearly scored in the 32nd minute when his left footed effort came off the post. He then set up Muñoz with a precise pass over the defence; Muñoz flicked the ball home five minutes before halftime to make it 1-0.
Uzbekistan responded early in the second half. Dostonbek Khamdamov’s volley struck the post and fell to Fayzullaev, who headed in Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal to level the match.
Colombia regained the lead when Díaz’s low shot beat goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov after the rebound crossed the line. The result was confirmed in stoppage time when Alejandro “Cucho” Hernández won possession and crossed for CamPAZ to power in a header, securing Colombia’s victory and an early advantage in Group K.
(Inputs from IANS)