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Uzbekistan Scores Historic First World Cup Goal in 3-1 Loss to Colombia
Uzbekistan scored their first-ever World Cup goal against Colombia on June 17, 2026, at the Azteca Stadium, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev converting after a goalkeeper error by Camilo Vargas. Colombia won the Group K opener 3-1, but the milestone goal marks a historic achievement for Uzbek football.
Quick Facts
Who
Abbosbek Fayzullaev
What
Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Azteca Stadium
- Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1
- Uzbekistan scored their first World Cup goal
- Eldor Shomurodov took a shot on goal
- Camilo Vargas made a partial save and left a rebound
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed in the loose ball
Uzbekistan achieved a historic milestone on June 17, 2026, when they scored their first-ever World Cup goal during an opening Group K match against Colombia at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico. Despite the landmark achievement, Uzbekistan fell 3-1 to the South American side in what marked a bittersweet debut performance at the tournament.
The goal came in the 60th minute and was set up by a combination of Uzbek pressing and Colombian goalkeeper error. Dostonbek Khamdamov kept the ball in play near the goal line and delivered a cross to the far post, where Eldor Shomurodov met the ball with a shot. Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made a partial save but left a rebound in the penalty area, allowing Abbosbek Fayzullaev to finish with a header and equalize at 1-1.
The decisive moment in Uzbekistan's goal came from Vargas's incomplete clearance, which left the ball vulnerable for Fayzullaev to capitalize on. The play exemplified both Uzbekistan's persistence in attack and Colombia's lapse in concentration during a match they were controlling.
While the result was a loss, Fayzullaev's goal holds enormous significance for Uzbek football. The strike represents the culmination of the nation's historic qualification to the 2026 World Cup and marks the first time Uzbekistan has scored at the world's premier football tournament. The goal is now etched into the country's sporting memory as a defining moment in their football history, despite the overall defeat in Group K's opening fixture.
Why This Matters
Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal represents a watershed moment for Central Asian football on the global stage. For a nation that only recently qualified for the tournament, scoring at the World Cup validates their emergence as a competitive force and provides crucial momentum despite the loss. For fans and analysts, this milestone illustrates how smaller nations can achieve historic breakthroughs and symbolizes the expanding geographic diversity of World Cup participation.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2026
WireUzbekistan qualifies for the 2026 World Cup (historic achievement)
Jun 17, 2026
WireColombia vs Uzbekistan match takes place at Azteca Stadium
Jun 17, 2026
WireFinal score: Colombia 3, Uzbekistan 1