Luis Díaz was the driving force as Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Wednesday, combining skill and set-up play to give his side a winning start.
The Bayern Munich forward hit the post in the 32nd minute before turning creator nine minutes later, threading a long ball into the box for Daniel Muñoz to open the scoring.
Uzbekistan, appearing at their first World Cup and coached by Italy’s 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, drew level in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Eldor Shomurodov’s volley caused confusion for goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, and Fayzullaev nodded the loose ball home.
The equaliser lasted five minutes. Díaz received the ball on the left and slotted across goal to restore Colombia’s lead.
Uzbekistan had a late chance to level again when Akmal Mozgovoy fired wide, but any hopes of a comeback were put to rest in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Cucho Hernandez held possession down the right before picking out Jaminton Campaz, who powered a header into the net to seal the result.
Colombia sit top of Group K. Portugal are third after drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier in the day.
