Quick take
Luis Díaz showed up when Colombia needed him most.
In Colombia’s World Cup Group K opener, Díaz scored once and assisted another as Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1. The match was not as easy as the scoreline makes it look, but Colombia’s biggest attacking star gave them the difference in the moments that mattered.
Current status
Status: Confirmed Match: Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia Competition: #IFA World Cup 2026 Group: Group K Key player: Luis Díaz Díaz impact: One goal and one assist Result: Colombia win and take three points Why it matters: Colombia start their World Cup campaign with a win, and Díaz begins the tournament as their main difference-maker.
What happened?
Colombia started with control, but Uzbekistan made the match uncomfortable.
Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring in the 40th minute after a brilliant pass from Luis Díaz. Uzbekistan then responded in the second half, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev scoring their first World Cup goal to make it 1-1.
That is when Colombia needed someone to take control.
Díaz answered quickly. Just minutes after Uzbekistan equalized, he scored Colombia’s second goal to put them back in front. Jaminton Campaz later added a stoppage-time goal to finish the match and seal the 3-1 win.
Why Luis Díaz mattered
This was not just about the goal.
Díaz gave Colombia speed, confidence, and danger every time he got the ball. He created the opener, scored the go-ahead goal, and kept Uzbekistan’s defense under pressure throughout the match.
For Colombia, that is exactly what star players are supposed to do at a World Cup. When the game became tense, Díaz gave them the moment that changed everything.
Why it matters
Opening games can shape a whole tournament.
Colombia missed the 2022 World Cup, so returning with a win was important. They were expected to beat Uzbekistan, but expectations can also create pressure. Uzbekistan were making their World Cup debut and refused to disappear from the match.
That made Díaz’s performance even bigger. Colombia did not just need talent — they needed a player who could break the game open.
The bigger picture
Colombia now have a strong start in Group K.
The performance was not perfect, and Uzbekistan showed enough fight to make the match difficult. But Colombia got the result, Díaz looked sharp, and the team now has momentum before tougher tests arrive.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat hurts, but their first World Cup goal gives them something to build on. They competed, pushed Colombia, and made the match far more tense than many expected.
Related ForfeitMedia coverage
Follow more updates in the World Cup 2026 section, where ForfeitMedia tracks match results, group standings, player moments, and major tournament stories.
You can also explore more football coverage and World Cup stories for reactions, explainers, and key results from the tournament.
Bottom line
Luis Díaz was the difference.
Colombia were tested by Uzbekistan, but Díaz produced the assist, scored the key goal, and helped Colombia start their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win.
