Colombia made the most emphatic statement of the opening Group K round, beating World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City behind goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and a stoppage-time strike from Jaminton Campaz that turned a comfortable lead into a rout.
Díaz and Muñoz Lead the Way
Colombia broke through in the 40th minute when right-back Daniel Muñoz arrived at the back post to finish off a flowing move, and Luis Díaz doubled the advantage in the 65th minute with a clinical finish that showcased exactly why he remains Colombia’s most dangerous attacking weapon. Uzbekistan, playing in their first-ever World Cup as an independent nation after seven previously unsuccessful qualifying campaigns, refused to fold and pulled a goal back through Abbosbek Fayzullaev in the 60th minute, briefly threatening to make a contest of it.
Campaz Seals It Deep Into Stoppage Time
Any hope of a late Uzbek rally was extinguished in the ninth minute of stoppage time, when substitute Jaminton Campaz added a third for Colombia to confirm the final 3-1 scoreline. For Uzbekistan, the defeat did not diminish what the occasion meant — merely qualifying for a first World Cup was a landmark achievement for a program that had come agonizingly close in recent cycles, and head coach Srečko Katanec’s side showed enough in spells to suggest they will not be pushovers in their remaining group matches.
What This Means for Group K
The win put Colombia on three points and atop Group K following the opening round, alongside a group that also includes Portugal and DR Congo, who drew 1-1 on the same day. With a maximum return from their first match, Los Cafeteros have set themselves up to control their own destiny in a group that suddenly looks wide open behind them.
FAQ
Who scored for Colombia against Uzbekistan?
Daniel Muñoz (40′), Luis Díaz (65′) and substitute Jaminton Campaz (90+9′) scored for Colombia. Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s goal in the 60th minute.
Is this Uzbekistan’s first World Cup appearance?
Yes. The 2026 tournament marks Uzbekistan’s debut at a men’s World Cup after failing to qualify in seven previous attempts.
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