The Mt Kenya Times 
By Norman Mwale
“We showed our quality when it mattered” — James Rodríguez
Colombia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a statement 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a win forged through patience, precision and late drama. Daniel Muñoz broke the deadlock on 40 minutes with a composed finish after Luis Díaz clipped a fine pass into his path, only for Abbosbek Fayzullaev to level on 60 minutes with Uzbekistan’s first ever World Cup goal. Díaz responded five minutes later, hammering home in the 65th minute to restore Colombia’s lead, before substitute Jáminton Campaz headed home an insurance goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time to seal all three points in Group K.
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle as a sea of yellow shirts turned the Azteca into a home venue. Colombia dominated possession and probed a disciplined Uzbek block for an hour before Muñoz’s opener settled nerves. Uzbekistan refused to wilt though, and Fayzullaev’s strike in the 60th minute sparked brief hope for Fabio Cannavaro’s side. That hope lasted only five minutes. Díaz, fresh off a stellar season at Bayern Munich, latched onto a move and drilled past Utkir Yusupov to make it 2-1. Colombia then defended resolutely until Campaz rose to meet Cucho Hernández’s cross on 90+9, powering a header down into the ground to make it 3-1 and send the Colombian fans wild.
Coach Néstor Lorenzo praised his side’s composure under pressure. “We showed our quality when it mattered,” he said. “The players executed the plan and reacted well after Uzbekistan scored. This is only the start, but three points at the Azteca is important.” Díaz, who had earlier struck the post, added: “We knew Uzbekistan would sit deep and make it difficult. The goal came, then we responded quickly after they equalised. The fans gave us incredible energy.”
Cannavaro, leading Uzbekistan at their first World Cup, was gracious in defeat. “Colombia have experience at this level and punished our mistakes,” the 2006 World Cup winner said. “I am proud of how my players competed. Fayzullaev’s goal showed our spirit, but we must learn to manage the moments. The group is still open for us.”
With the result, Colombia sit top of Group K after the opening round, while Uzbekistan must regroup before facing Portugal. Lorenzo’s side will take confidence from their clinical edge in front of goal, but the manager knows sterner tests lie ahead if Colombia are to progress deep into the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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