Uzbekistan makes World Cup debut against Colombia in goalless first half

Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, faced Colombia in a Group Stage match on June 18, 2026, with the teams locked at 0-0 after 22 minutes of play. Colombia dominated possession in the opening exchanges but lacked a clinical finish, managing only two touches in the Uzbekistan penalty box while the debutants registered none at the opposite end. The match remained tightly contested in the early stages, with both teams cautious in their approach. Colombia's attacking threat was evident in their possession advantage, yet they struggled to convert their territorial dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Uzbekistan's defensive organization appeared solid, limiting Colombia's creative space and preventing dangerous chances in front of goal. As the match progressed beyond the opening period, both teams looked to establish their tactical approach, with the encounter developing into a competitive battle between a traditional South American side and an emerging Asian football nation on their World Cup debut.