FIFA WC 2026: Luis Diaz fires Colombia past Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K
Synopsis
Colombia's World Cup comeback couldn't have been scripted better — Luis Diaz scored his first-ever World Cup goal, set up another, and substitute Jaminton Campaz headed home in the 99th minute to seal a 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan. With Portugal dropping points in Group K, Colombia are already in pole position.
Key Takeaways
Colombia defeated debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at Mexico City Stadium on 18 June in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K .
Luis Diaz scored his first World Cup goal and assisted Daniel Munoz's opener.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home Uzbekistan's historic maiden World Cup goal to level at 1-1.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the win with a header in the 99th minute .
Portugal were held to a draw by Congo , leaving Colombia atop Group K after matchday one.
Colombia had lost their opening match in four of their six previous World Cup appearances before this result.
Luis Diaz delivered a masterclass in Mexico City on 18 June as Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan at Mexico City Stadium. The win, sealed by a 99th-minute header, hands Colombia an early lead in Group K after Portugal were held to a draw by Congo.
Key Developments
Colombia had the first meaningful chance in the 17th minute when midfielder Jhon Arias struck the side netting from distance. Diaz came agonisingly close in the 32nd minute, guiding a left-footed effort onto the post. The breakthrough finally arrived five minutes before half-time when Diaz's pinpoint ball over the Uzbek backline was flicked on expertly by Daniel Munoz with the outside of his boot.
Uzbekistan's Historic Moment
Uzbekistan refused to be overrun and levelled in the second half through Abbosbek Fayzullaev — the nation's maiden FIFA World Cup goal. The equaliser came after Dostonbek Khamdamov's volleyed effort, following Eldor Shomurdov's left-wing cross, struck the post and fell into Fayzullaev's path, who headed home to spark scenes of celebration.
Diaz Seals His First World Cup Goal
Colombia responded immediately. Diaz's low strike hit the gloves of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and crossed the line — the Liverpool winger's inaugural World Cup goal and his second decisive contribution of the evening. It was a fitting reward for the player who had controlled the tempo throughout.
Campaz Wraps It Up in Injury Time
Substitute Cucho Hernandez brilliantly won possession on the right wing deep into added time and crossed for fellow substitute Jaminton Campaz, who powered home a header to seal the three points in the 99th minute. The late drama ensured the first round of North American group-stage fixtures ended on a memorable note.
Context and What It Means
This is a significant result for a Colombia side returning to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition. Historically, they had lost their opening match in four of their six previous FIFA World Cup appearances, including a 2-1 defeat by Japan at Russia 2018. With Portugal dropping points in the same group, Colombia are firmly in the driving seat heading into the next round of fixtures.
Point of View
But the more telling detail is the bench's impact: Campaz and Hernandez combining for the killer third goal suggests depth that many fancied sides lack. Uzbekistan's equaliser, meanwhile, is not a footnote — it is the story of a footballing nation arriving on the biggest stage and refusing to be embarrassed. With Portugal already stumbling, Group K is wide open, and Colombia's historical habit of stumbling in openers has, for once, been broken decisively.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Colombia vs Uzbekistan at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 at Mexico City Stadium on 18 June in a Group K fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Luis Diaz and substitute Jaminton Campaz were among the scorers.
Who scored for Colombia against Uzbekistan?
Daniel Munoz scored Colombia's opener with a flicked finish assisted by Luis Diaz. Diaz then added the second after his shot crossed the line off the goalkeeper's gloves. Jaminton Campaz headed in the third in the 99th minute.
Did Uzbekistan score at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes. Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home in the second half to score Uzbekistan's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, temporarily levelling the match at 1-1.
How does the result affect Group K standings at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Colombia top Group K after matchday one following their 3-1 win, aided by Portugal being held to a draw by Congo in the group's other fixture. Colombia are in a strong early position.
Why is Colombia's win historically significant?
Colombia missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup entirely and had lost their opening match in four of their six previous World Cup appearances, including a 2-1 defeat by Japan at Russia 2018. This victory marks a confident return to the tournament.
