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Published Jun 17, 2026Updated Jun 191
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Colombia and Uzbekistan open World Cup 2026 action at the Azteca
Colombia and Uzbekistan will play their first match of World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, June 17, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Colombia, led by Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, is aiming to recover from its absence at Qatar 2022, while Uzbekistan is making its first-ever World Cup appearance.
Quick Facts
- Colombia and Uzbekistan will debut in World Cup 2026
- The match will be played at the Estadio Azteca
- Uzbekistan qualified for its first World Cup
- Colombia is seeking to rebound after missing the 2022 tournament
- Luis Díaz is expected to lead Colombia's attack
Colombia and Uzbekistan are set to make their World Cup 2026 debuts on Wednesday, June 17, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Venezuela time, and will mark the first appearance of both teams in the tournament's opening round at the iconic venue.
Colombia enters the competition with Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez as its main figures. The team is looking to rebuild momentum after missing the 2022 World Cup and to improve on its recent tournament history, which included a run to the quarterfinals in 2014. Colombia has not played in a World Cup since 2018, when it was eliminated by England in the round of 16.
Uzbekistan arrives with a historic qualification, reaching its first World Cup after advancing through three qualifying phases in its region. The squad's breakthrough has been widely viewed as a major milestone for Uzbek football.
Díaz is expected to be one of the standout players for Colombia after a strong season with Bayern Munich, where he finished with 26 goals and 23 assists in 51 matches. Colombia is viewed as the favorite on paper, but both teams will be under pressure to start their World Cup campaigns positively.
Why This Matters
This match represents a significant turning point for both nations. Colombia must demonstrate it has recovered from its disappointing 2022 absence and can compete at the highest level with its star-studded squad. For Uzbekistan, this historic World Cup debut is a watershed moment for Central Asian football, making their performance a matter of continental pride and potential model for regional development. Readers should watch how Colombia executes its attacking strategy and whether Uzbekistan can avoid being overwhelmed, as the result will shape expectations for both teams' tournament trajectories.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2014
WireColombia reached the World Cup quarterfinals, its best tournament finish.
Jan 1, 2018
WireColombia last played in a World Cup before 2026, exiting in the round of 16.
Jan 1, 2022
WireColombia missed the World Cup in Qatar.
Jun 17, 2026
WireColombia and Uzbekistan are scheduled to face each other in their World Cup 2026 opener at the Estadio Azteca.