Second-half goals from Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz powered Colombia to a 3-1 triumph over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, as both nations kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaigns in Mexico City.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev had earlier brought Uzbekistan level after Daniel Munoz’s first-half strike, but Bayern Munich star Diaz restored Colombia’s lead before Campaz sealed the victory with a stoppage-time header, ending a spirited challenge from the Central Asian side.
The match began with a physical edge, as Colombia’s Johan Mojica was shown a yellow card just seven minutes in. The South Americans controlled possession early, with Jhon Arias sending the first notable effort wide from outside the area.
Diaz came close to scoring when his angled shot struck the post, moments before he was upended by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov — a collision that also left a cameraman on the ground and earned Khusanov a booking.
Undeterred, Diaz quickly regained his rhythm. Six minutes before half-time, he delivered a precise ball into the box that Crystal Palace full-back Munoz met with a perfectly timed run, guiding it past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to put Colombia ahead.
Uzbekistan responded with greater attacking intent after the interval and were rewarded on the hour mark. Camilo Vargas initially parried Eldor Shomurodov’s volley, but the rebound looped high for Fayzullaev to nod home from close range, levelling the contest.
The parity was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Yusupov failed to stop Diaz’s low strike as Colombia countered swiftly through midfield, restoring their advantage.
Substitute Campaz then removed any lingering doubt deep into stoppage time, heading in Cucho Hernandez’s cross nine minutes into added time. Uzbekistan’s teenage forward Bekhruz Karimov still had a chance to pull one back, but his fierce effort rattled the crossbar in the dying seconds.
Colombia’s composed performance at the iconic Azteca Stadium underlined their attacking depth and set a confident tone for the rest of their World Cup 2026 journey.
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