Colombia waited eight years for another World Cup match. Luis Diaz made sure the return was worth remembering.
The Bayern Munich winger delivered a goal and an assist as Colombia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a deserved 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca.
With Portugal surprisingly held by DR Congo earlier in the day, the opportunity to gain an early advantage in Group K was clear. Colombia seized it through the brilliance of a player who continues to elevate his status among world football’s elite attackers.
Diaz arrived in North America after a sensational season with Bayern Munich, contributing 49 goals and assists in 51 appearances. Against Uzbekistan, he looked every bit a player ready to join the World Cup’s biggest stars in the spotlight.
Colombia controlled proceedings from the opening whistle. Nestor Lorenzo’s side monopolised possession and patiently searched for openings, although clear chances were initially hard to find.
Jhon Arias flashed an effort narrowly wide before Diaz rattled the post with a powerful strike. The breakthrough eventually arrived five minutes before half-time, and it was worth the wait.
Diaz clipped a clever ball into the area and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz produced a stunning acrobatic volley that flew beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov. It was a finish that brought the stadium to life and rewarded Colombia’s dominance.
For long periods, Uzbekistan struggled to escape their own half. Remarkably, Fabio Cannavaro’s side failed to register a single touch inside Colombia’s penalty area during the first half.
Yet football has a habit of punishing missed opportunities.
On the hour mark, Uzbekistan stunned the South American supporters. A scramble inside the box ended with Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacting quickest to head home the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
For a few minutes, the debutants dared to dream.
Their celebrations were short-lived.
Just five minutes later, Colombia launched a devastating counterattack. Gustavo Puerta released Diaz, who drove forward before firing a low effort that slipped through Yusupov’s hands and into the net.
The goal underlined Diaz’s influence. He became only the second Colombian player to both score and assist in a World Cup match, following James Rodriguez’s feat against Japan in 2014.
Campaz added the finishing touch deep into stoppage time. Cucho Hernandez produced a brilliant cross from the left and the substitute headed home from close range to secure all three points.
Uzbekistan still struck the woodwork late on, but the outcome never truly felt in doubt.
