World Cup 2026: Colombia beats Uzbekistan 3-1 behind Luis Diaz's brilliant debut score, facts, records
Luis Diaz starred with a goal and an assist as Colombia kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan in Group K. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring before Diaz restored Colombia's lead after Uzbekistan had briefly levelled through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who netted his country's first-ever World Cup goal.
Despite a spirited challenge from the Central Asian side, Colombia's superior quality proved decisive. Diaz was at the heart of the action throughout, creating chances, hitting the post, and delivering a match-winning performance that energized the Colombian supporters at a packed Estadio Azteca.
Uzbekistan showed resilience and threatened to snatch another equaliser late on, striking the crossbar and creating several dangerous opportunities, but Colombia held firm under pressure.
Jaminton Campaz sealed the result deep into stoppage time, ensuring Colombia made a winning return to the World Cup after missing the previous edition. The South Americans finished with 15 shots to Uzbekistan's nine and extended their impressive group-stage record with a seventh win in their last eight World Cup group matches....
Uzbekistan lost by Colombia 3-1 Match Stats, facts, records
Overview: The 3-1 victory for Colombia against Uzbekistan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K opener on 17 June 2026 saw the South Americans take control of the group following a masterclass by winger Luis DÃaz.
The Goals: Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring for Colombia in the 40th minute. Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised for Uzbekistan on the hour mark, but Luis DÃaz restored Colombia's lead just five minutes later (65'). Jáminton Campaz wrapped up the three points deep into stoppage time (98:09).
Records Made
The Triple Stat Elite: Luis DÃaz was the first player in the 2026 World Cup to score a goal, provide an assist, and hit the woodwork in a single match.
Historic Colombia Double: DÃaz joined James RodrÃguez (2014) as only the second Colombian to record a goal and assist in a single World Cup match.
Buzzer-Beater Record: Jáminton Campaz’s 98th-minute header marked the latest non-extra-time goal in Colombia's World Cup history.
Box Dominance Drought: Uzbekistan became the first team in 2026 World Cup history to have zero touches inside the opponent's penalty box during the first half.
First-Ever Goal: Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s 60th-minute goal was Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup goal.
Notable Stats
AFC Debut Curse: Uzbekistan's loss means AFC teams have lost 13 of their 14 World Cup debut matches.
DÃaz's Golden Form: Luis DÃaz has been directly involved in a goal in his last six consecutive competitive appearances for Colombia (4 goals, 4 assists).
Uzbekistan vs Colombia, stats, Recent matches results
Uzbekistan Last Five Matches
Uzbekistan 1-2 Netherlands (Loss)
Uzbekistan 0-2 Canada (Loss)
Uzbekistan 0-0 Venezuela (Draw)
Uzbekistan 3-1 Gabon (Win)
Uzbekistan 2-2 China PR (Draw)
Uzbekistan have shown defensive organization but struggled against stronger international opposition, particularly in transition defense.
Colombia Last Five Matches
Colombia 2-0 Jordan (Win)
Colombia 3-1 Costa Rica (Win)
Colombia 1-3 France (Loss)
Colombia 1-2 Croatia (Loss)
Colombia 3-0 Australia (Win)
Colombia’s attack remains highly productive, although defensive inconsistency has appeared against elite European sides.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia Head-to-Head Record
There is no previous competitive or friendly meeting between Uzbekistan and Colombia.
This adds unpredictability to the fixture, with both teams facing a completely unfamiliar opponent on the World Cup stage.
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