Luis Diaz produced a brilliant performance as Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with an impressive 3-1 win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan in their group opener at the lively Azteca Stadium on Wednesday.

After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Colombia arrived in Mexico looking to make an immediate impact. They were given an added boost before kick-off when fellow Group K contenders Portugal were held to a surprising 1–1 draw by DR Congo, opening the door for Nestor Lorenzo’s side to take early control of the group.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights

While Colombia were favorites against an Uzbekistan team playing its first World Cup match, the South Americans initially had difficulty converting their dominance into goals. They controlled possession and camped inside the opposition for long periods, but Uzbekistan remained disciplined and organized in defence.

The breakthrough finally came four minutes before halftime, and it was produced by Colombia’s brightest star. Diaz, who troubled the Uzbek defense all evening, delivered a brilliant ball into the penalty area and Daniel Munoz fired it past his marker before delivering an instinctive hooked finish.

The goal capped a first half in which Colombia had largely dictated the proceedings. Uzbekistan rarely threatened and struggled to enter Colombia’s half, but they emerged from the break with new confidence and gradually progressed in the competition.

His historic World Cup moment arrived just in time. Eldor Shmurodov’s effort forced a save from goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who could only stop the ball in a dangerous area. Abbosbek Faizullaev reacted quickest, heading home a header from close range and scoring the first goal for Uzbekistan. FIFA World Cup.

For a short time, the competition appeared to be more complicated than Colombia expected. The equalizing goal boosted the Central Asian team’s confidence and gave their supporters hope of a memorable result on the biggest stage.

However, Diaz quickly dashed those hopes.

Just five minutes after Uzbekistan equalised, the Liverpool winger restored Colombia’s lead with a quality moment befitting his performance. Receiving the ball on the left side of the area, Díaz cut inside and calmly fired past the goalkeeper to score his first World Cup goal and send the heavily supported Colombia crowd into celebration.

With the lead restored, Colombia took control of the match and continued to create openings. Uzbekistan refused to back down and threatened to counter-attack, but as the game approached its final stages, Colombia’s superior quality began to emerge.

The South Americans were asked to wait until stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt. Substitute Jaminton Campaz headed home inside the box to score Colombia’s third goal, sealing a convincing victory and ensuring there would be no late drama.

The result sent Colombia top of Group K with three points after Portugal and DR Congo shared the spoils earlier in the day.

Colombia will now travel to Guadalajara to face DR Congo on 23 June, knowing that another win could seal their place in the knockout round. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan continues its first World Cup outing against Portugal in Houston, still searching for the first point in its World Cup history but boosted by a spirited performance against one of South America’s strongest sides.

FIFA World Cup | fifa world cup schedule | fifa world cup points table | football news

– ends