Luis Díaz Masterclass Sends Colombia to the Top of Group K as Uzbekistan Make History in 3-1 Defeat

Colombia returned to football’s biggest stage after an eight-year absence, and Luis Díaz made sure nobody forgot it. The Bayern Munich winger scored, assisted, and struck the woodwork in a stunning individual performance as Los Cafeteros came from behind to beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca on June 17, 2026. Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the win deep into stoppage time, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev wrote his own piece of history with Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal. Earlier in the day, Portugal had been held by DR Congo, and Colombia seized the opening with both hands.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia 1-3 Highlights — Colombia Top Group K on Matchday One

In front of a crowd of over 80,000 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — the only stadium to have hosted three separate World Cup finals — Colombia controlled the contest for long periods but were given a genuine fright by a disciplined, spirited Uzbekistan side under their Italian manager Fabio Cannavaro. The result lifts Nestor Lorenzo’s side straight to the top of Group K after Portugal’s surprise 1-1 draw with DR Congo earlier in the day.

Match Summary:

Luis Díaz Goal vs Uzbekistan — A Performance for the History Books

Colombia settled into their rhythm quickly, going close in the 17th minute when Jhon Arias flashed a 20-yard strike narrowly wide. Eight minutes before the opener, Díaz himself struck the post — a warning sign of what was to come. There was a frightening moment too, when Abdukodir Khusanov slid in late after Díaz had knocked the ball past him, the collision taking out both the Colombian winger and a pitchside cameraman who required medical treatment.

40′ — Daniel Muñoz breaks the deadlock. The breakthrough, when it arrived, was spectacular. Díaz clipped a precise ball into the box, and Muñoz latched onto it, volleying home on the turn for a finish of genuine quality. 1-0 to Colombia, and thoroughly deserved on the balance of play.

60′ — Abbosbek Fayzullaev makes history. Uzbekistan, which had failed to register a single touch in the opposition box during the entire first half, finally found their moment. Dostonbek Khamdamov kept the move alive with a cross for Eldor Shomurodov, whose well-struck volley was blocked and ricocheted across the six-yard area — leaving Fayzullaev with the simplest of finishes into an empty net. Uzbekistan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, and the Estadio Azteca briefly turned into a sea of white-clad celebration.

📺 Watch the full match highlights: Uzbekistan vs Colombia 1-3 — FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Highlights

Abbosbek Fayzullaev First World Cup Goal — Uzbekistan’s Historic Milestone

The celebrations for Uzbekistan lasted just five minutes — but the achievement itself will live forever in the nation’s footballing history.

65′ — Luis Díaz restores Colombia’s lead. Gustavo Puerta released Díaz with a sharp pass, and the winger powered into the box before unleashing a fierce, low strike that squirmed through goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov’s gloves and into the net. Not the cleanest finish, but Colombia did not care one bit. The crowd responded with chants of “Lucho, Lucho” echoing around the Azteca.

Díaz’s goal made him only the second Colombian player in history to score and assist in the same World Cup match, joining James Rodríguez’s iconic performance against Japan back in 2014. He finished the night leading every key attacking metric for Colombia — touches in the opposition box, total duels, and duels won.

For context on the scale of Uzbekistan’s achievement: AFC confederation teams have lost 13 of their 14 previous World Cup debuts, with only Kuwait managing a draw in 1982. Both Uzbekistan and Jordan became the first Asian debutants to score on their bow since Saudi Arabia in 1994 — a remarkable feat given how rarely it happens.

90+9′ — Jaminton Campaz seals it. With Uzbekistan pressing forward in search of a dramatic equaliser, Colombia struck on the counter. Substitute Cucho Hernández battled brilliantly to keep possession on the right before floating a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Campaz rose highest to head home and put the result beyond doubt. It was the latest non-extra-time goal Colombia have ever scored in a World Cup match — a fitting way to end a thrilling contest. Uzbekistan had one final say when Bekhruz Karimov rattled the post moments later, but it was not to be.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K Standings — Colombia Lead After Portugal Stumble

Colombia have now won 10 of their last 11 World Cup matches when scoring first, and the result extends their excellent group-stage record to seven wins in their last eight World Cup matches. They face DR Congo next in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Houston — both fixtures on June 23.

A small but remarkable footnote: Uzbekistan boss Fabio Cannavaro has now become only the fourth person in history to have won a Ballon d’Or and participated in a World Cup as both player and manager, joining the legendary company of Franz Beckenbauer, Oleg Blokhin, and Marco van Basten.

For full FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K results, Colombia match updates and live coverage, visit fawanewss.co.uk. Full fixtures, group standings and squads at the official FIFA website.