Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in World Cup opener behind Luis Diaz's goal and assist

Colombia launched their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday, riding goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, and Jaminton Campaz to the top of Group K after Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 earlier in the day.

Colombians turn Azteca yellow

Thousands of Colombian supporters transformed Mexico City into a slice of South America hours before kickoff, packing restaurants and streets draped in yellow. At the Estadio Azteca, the 80,000-plus crowd was overwhelmingly Colombian, with chants of "Vamos Colombia" rolling around the ground. Manager Nestor Lorenzo acknowledged the emotion boosted his side but also weighed on some players.

“It is a beautiful energy, but emotionally it weighed on some of the players.”

Diaz provides the spark

Luis Diaz, appearing in his first World Cup at 29 after Colombia missed the 2022 tournament, hit the post in the first half before setting up Munoz's 40th-minute opener with a clipped cross. Uzbekistan equalised on the hour through Abbosbek Fayzullaev's header from a rebound, the country's first World Cup goal. Five minutes later, Diaz restored the lead with a composed side-foot finish, his first on the world stage, and Campaz sealed the win in stoppage time.

“I worked and fought for this. I am living out my childhood dream of playing in a World Cup with my national team, and it's even better to have contributed a goal and an assist.”

Uzbekistan's debut pride

Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, sat deep and frustrated Colombia for long stretches. After levelling, they pressed for a second, with Akmal Mozgovoy shooting narrowly wide and Behruzjon Karimov striking the bar late on. Cannavaro praised his team's effort in an intimidating atmosphere.

“When a small team like ours works the way it did today, it's clear that losing 3-1 is too much.”

A personal triumph

Diaz's goal carried extra resonance. In late 2023, both his parents were kidnapped in Colombia; his father was held for 12 days. Diaz played on with an undershirt message demanding freedom, and his father later posted a viral video praying over his son's jersey before this match. After the final whistle, Diaz looked for his father in the stands, calling the moment a relief.

“I think there was always something that kept us from being at ease. I think that today, I am at my best.”

Group K prospects

Colombia next face DR Congo in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan travel to Houston to play Portugal. Lorenzo said his side should have built a larger advantage and needed to take more risks in attacking areas, while Cannavaro stressed the need for growth against top opposition.