2026 FIFA World Cup — Group K, Matchday 1 | June 18 | Estadio Mexico City

MEXICO CITY — Luis Diaz stood on the turf of the Estadio Mexico City and took a deep breath.

Twenty-nine years old. Bayern Munich forward. World Cup debut. Before the match, he said he felt emotional during the warm-up, the childhood dream of playing for his country flooding back. Then, with one pass and one shot, he turned that dream into reality.

In the 40th minute, Diaz collected the ball on the left, looked up, and delivered a pinpoint diagonal cross. Daniel Muñoz surged into the box from the right and stabbed it home. 1-0. In the 65th minute, barely five minutes after Uzbekistan had equalised, Diaz received Gustavo Puerta’s pass, composed himself, and slotted the ball into the far corner. 2-1.

One goal. One assist. Player of the match. Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1, and with Portugal held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo, Los Cafeteros seized control of Group K.

Minute 40: Diaz’s First Strike

For the first 40 minutes, Colombia passed, probed, and controlled possession without finding a genuine breakthrough. Uzbekistan — the World Cup newcomers managed by Fabio Cannavaro — had set up in a low defensive block. Abdukodir Khusanov, the Manchester City defender, anchored the back line. Eldor Shomurodov waited for counter-attacking opportunities up front.

Then Diaz struck.

He received the ball on the left flank, facing Uzbekistan’s right-back. Instead of driving to the byline, he cut inside and delivered a diagonal cross. The ball arced over Uzbekistan’s defensive line, dropping towards the far post. Muñoz — the Crystal Palace right-back — had charged into the penalty area. He got there before the defender and poked the ball into the net.

1-0. Colombia’s first real threat had become a goal. That is Luis Diaz — he does not need 90 minutes to prove himself. He needs one pass.

Minute 60: Fayzullaev, Uzbekistan’s Pride

If the story had ended there, it would have been a routine South American victory over Asian newcomers. But Uzbekistan refused to accept that script.

In the 60th minute, Abbosbek Fayzullaev — a 21-year-old midfielder who plays for CSKA Moscow — rose to meet a cross and headed the ball past the Colombian goalkeeper.

1-1.

This was Uzbekistan’s first goal in World Cup history. A nation had waited a lifetime for this moment. Fayzullaev sprinted towards the corner flag, his teammates chasing him, burying him under a pile of bodies. On this night in Mexico City, the dreams of 40 million Uzbeks were made real by a 21-year-old.

Cannavaro clenched his fists on the touchline. The legendary Italian defender, the 2006 World Cup-winning captain, is now managing a World Cup debutant nation. He knew what equalising against Colombia meant. It meant hope. It meant possibility. It meant everything.

Minute 65: Diaz’s Second Strike, Hope Extinguished

But hope lasted only five minutes.

In the 65th minute, Colombia won the ball in midfield. Gustavo Puerta — a 20-year-old midfielder playing in Colombia’s domestic league — threaded a through ball. Diaz cut in from the left, collected it, steadied himself, and slid it into the far corner.

2-1.

Diaz did not celebrate wildly. He jogged towards the sideline, raised both hands, and was swarmed by his teammates. A World Cup debut at 29. One goal, one assist. He had done everything he could. The Colombian fans inside the Estadio Mexico City chanted his name. Luis Diaz. Luis Diaz.

Uzbekistan’s players dropped their heads. They had fought for 60 minutes, equalised, and then conceded again within five minutes. This is the cruelty of the World Cup. The distance between a dream and reality can be measured in five minutes.

Minute 99: Campaz, the Final Nail

The match entered stoppage time. Uzbekistan pushed forward desperately, searching for another miracle. But Colombia’s defence — marshalled by the experienced Davinson Sánchez — held firm.

In the 99th minute, Colombia counter-attacked. Cucho Hernández delivered a cross from the right, and Jaminton Campaz — who had replaced James Rodríguez in the 72nd minute — rose highest in the box and headed home.

3-1.

Game over. Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut ended in defeat. But they were not failures. They scored their nation’s first World Cup goal. They made Colombia nervous for 60 minutes. They proved they belong on this stage.

Group K Standings

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Colombia 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
2 Portugal 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
3 DR Congo 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
4 Uzbekistan 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0

Colombia face DR Congo next — a win would all but secure qualification. Uzbekistan face Portugal — Cannavaro’s side will need a miracle. But tonight, they proved one thing: miracles are not impossible.

Match Details:

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