The Colombian men’s national football team beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Wednesday and became the second South American squad to secure three points at the World Cup 2026 group stage.

Néstor Lorenzo’s team arrived at the tournament as one of the South American Football Confederation’s (CONMEBOL) strongest contenders after finishing as runners-up at the Copa América. 

Their opponents, meanwhile, were making history: Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan was playing its first-ever World Cup match.

Colombia started on the front foot, dominating possession and looking to impose its superior individual quality on the tournament debutants. Yet the breakthrough did not arrive until the closing stages of the first half.

Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz floated a precise ball over the Uzbek defense for Daniel Muñoz, who finished with his first touch to give Colombia a deserved lead.

The goal did little to settle the South Americans. After a fiercely contested opening to the second half, Uzbekistan equalized in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev pounced on a rebound following a slow reaction from goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Colombia responded almost immediately. Five minutes later, Díaz restored the lead, finishing off a counterattack after being set up by midfielder Gustavo Puerta.

With Uzbekistan pushing forward in search of another equalizer, Jaminton Campaz put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time. The move began with Juan Camilo Hernández battling to win back possession near the Uzbek penalty area before delivering a pinpoint cross that Campaz headed home to seal a 3-1 victory in the 98th minute.

An important win

After the match, Díaz stressed the significance of both the result and his first World Cup appearance with Colombia.

“I worked hard for this, I fought to be here at this moment,” he said. “Today I’m fulfilling my childhood dream of playing in a World Cup with my national team, with my country.”

The former Liverpool forward admitted he became emotional before kickoff, saying he was “on the verge of tears” as he prepared to take the field. He also emphasized the importance of beginning the tournament with a victory.

“It was very important to win this first game. Every match in a World Cup is tough, and we have to keep our feet on the ground,” he said.

Colombia and Argentina are currently the only South American teams to have won their opening matches, following defeats for Ecuador and Paraguay and draws for Brazil and Uruguay.

The victory leaves Colombia top of Group K after Portugal and DR Congo played out a draw. Lorenzo’s side will look to strengthen its position when it faces DR Congo next Tuesday in Guadalajara at 11 p.m. Argentina time.

Cover image: Selección Colombia Twitter