COLOMBIA OVERCOME UZBEKISTAN TO START WORLD CUP WITH VICTORY

Colombia began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan in Group K at the Estadio Azteca.

After a quiet opening, Colombia gradually took control and were rewarded just before halftime when Daniel Munoz volleyed home a Luis Diaz cross to give Los Cafeteros a deserved lead.

Uzbekistan, playing their first-ever World Cup match, responded brilliantly after the break.

Eldor Shomurodov’s thunderous volley crashed off the woodwork and fell kindly for Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who headed in his nation’s first-ever World Cup goal to level the contest.

The equaliser briefly stunned Colombia, but it also sparked them back into life.

Luis Diaz restored their advantage midway through the second half when his shot slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.

Uzbekistan pushed for another equaliser but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Colombia consistently.

Deep into stoppage time, Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory with a superb header to ensure the South Americans claimed all three points.

The win marks a positive return to the World Cup for Colombia after missing the 2022 tournament, while Uzbekistan will look to bounce back when they face Portugal in their next group match.