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Jun 18, 20261
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Colombia Draws with Uzbekistan in World Cup 2026 Opener; Panama Loses to Ghana
Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 in their World Cup 2026 opener in Mexico City, with goals from Daniel Muñoz and Luis Díaz offsetting Uzbekistan's historic first World Cup goal. Ghana beat Panama 1-0, England defeated Croatia 4-2, and Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo in opening Group Stage matches.
Quick Facts
Who
Colombia
What
2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage matches
When
2026 World Cup opening day
Where
Estadio Ciudad de México
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage matches
- Colombia defeats Uzbekistan
- Ghana defeats Panama
- England defeats Croatia
- Portugal draws with Democratic Republic of Congo
The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway with a series of Group Stage matches across North America. Colombia and Uzbekistan played to a 1-1 draw in Mexico City, with Colombia's Daniel Muñoz scoring first in the 33rd minute before Uzbekistan equalized through midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev in the 60th minute. Luis Díaz added a second goal for Colombia in the 65th minute, securing a 2-1 victory for the South American side in their World Cup comeback after missing the 2022 tournament.
In other opening matches, Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in Toronto, while England dominated Croatia 4-2 in Dallas in their World Cup debut. Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo played to a 1-1 draw, with Yoan Wissa scoring the historic first-ever World Cup goal for the DRC.
Uzbekistan's participation marks the nation's first-ever World Cup appearance. The team showed discipline and defensive organization throughout the first half, implementing a 5-4-1 formation that frustrated Colombia despite the Colombian side being ranked 37 places higher in FIFA standings. Fayzullaev's goal in the 60th minute briefly leveled the match, but Colombia's attacking pressure ultimately prevailed with Díaz's clinical finish.
These matches concluded the first day of Group Stage play in the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Colombia and Uzbekistan compete in Group K alongside Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why This Matters
The 2026 World Cup's opening matches establish early momentum and group dynamics for teams competing in North America. Colombia's victory signals strong form after missing 2022, while Uzbekistan's debut goal represents a historic milestone for the nation. These results directly impact qualification scenarios in Group K and set expectations for advancing to knockout stages, making them crucial reference points for fans tracking their teams' tournament trajectories.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WirePortugal draws 1-1 with Democratic Republic of Congo; DRC scores first World Cup goal
Jun 18, 2026
WireGhana defeats Panama 1-0 in Toronto
Jun 18, 2026
WireEngland defeats Croatia 4-2 in Dallas
Jun 18, 2026
WireColombia vs. Uzbekistan match begins in Mexico City
Jun 18, 2026
WireDaniel Muñoz scores for Colombia (1-0)
Jun 18, 2026
WireFirst half ends; Colombia leads 1-0
Jun 18, 2026
WireSecond half begins
Entities
- Ghana national football team
- Dallas
- England national football team
- Croatia national football team
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Portugal national football team
- Colombia national football team
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev
- Uzbekistan national football team
- Daniel Muñoz
- Estadio Ciudad de México
- Democratic Republic of Congo national football team
- Luis Díaz
- Panama national football team
- Toronto
- Yoan Wissa