Colombia Debuts With Hard-Fought Win Over Uzbekistan in 2026 World Cup Opener

The legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosted the closing match of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, as Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 in a tightly contested group stage encounter. The match brought together two teams at different stages in their footballing journeys: Colombia, seeking redemption after missing the 2022 World Cup, and Uzbekistan, making their tournament debut under former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro.

Colombia, managed by Argentine Néstor Lorenzo, entered the match carrying the weight of an unbeaten run spanning over 20 games. That streak included victories against top-tier teams such as Germany, Spain, and Brazil, as well as reaching the 2024 Copa América final and securing qualification by finishing third in the highly competitive South American qualifiers ahead of traditional powers Uruguay and Brazil.

Lorenzo raised eyebrows before kickoff by starting Gustavo Puerta of Racing de Santander in midfield over the more established Richard Ríos, partnering him with Jefferson Lerma. The gamble paid off as Puerta contributed solid defensive work and crisp passing in the early stages. Colombia dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Uzbek defense in the opening minutes. Uzbekistan, led by the lively Abbosbek Fayzullaev, posed an early threat and forced a yellow card on Colombian left-back Johan Mojica in the seventh minute.

The game’s turning point came when Luis Díaz, initially quiet, began to assert himself around the half-hour mark. In the 33rd minute, Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov was booked for a dangerous foul on the Bayern Munich winger. Díaz then struck the post with a powerful curling effort moments later. That pressure finally told in the 40th minute: Díaz delivered a precise cross into the box, and Daniel Muñoz broke free to volley a stunning goal with the outside of his boot, sending Colombia into halftime with a well-deserved lead.

Colombia came out flat in the second half, allowing Uzbekistan to grow into the contest. The Asian side created several chances, with striker Eldor Shomurodov testing the Colombian defense with powerful shots. Colombia held firm, however, and secured a hard-fought victory to open their campaign. The result gives Lorenzo’s side a crucial three points in what promises to be a competitive group.