MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Winger Luis Díaz produced a goal and an assist as Colombia secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan to close out the opening phase of fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Group K encounter concluded early on Thursday morning at the iconic Azteca Stadium, ensuring all 48 participating nations have officially stepped onto the pitch in the expanded tournament structure.
Okay News sports reports that Colombia broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when defender Daniel Muñoz hooked home a technical finish following an explicit, defense-shattering delivery from Díaz. Uzbekistan responded courageously in the second half, clawing back to level terms on the hour mark when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home with one of their first major counter-attacks to score his nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The parity lasted just five minutes as the flying Bayern Munich winger took command of the South American offense. Luis Díaz found the far corner with a clinical strike in the 65th minute to instantly restore Colombia’s advantage before setting up substitute Jaminton Campaz, who sealed the points with a stoppage-time header in the 99th minute. The win positions Colombia level with group peers following the first round of matches, while Uzbekistan looks ahead to rebuilding momentum for their upcoming tie against Portugal.
