The Colombian national football team gained a strong lead in qualifying for the “32” of the 2026 World Cup, as they defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City in the premiere of the 11th group.

    Colombian striker Luis Diaz was the star of the South Americans, scoring a goal and providing an assist, delighting the 80,000 fans who created an amazing atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium.

    The winners struggled early on as Fabio Cannavaro’s men struggled to make the most of their first appearance at the top level, but Colombia opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Munoz converted Diaz’s assist.

    In the second half, the Uzbeks came out stronger and managed to equalize in the 60th minute with Fayzulaev, but five minutes later, Diaz gave Colombia the lead again. The Uzbek players’ attempts to score were unsuccessful and in the ninth minute of injury time, Kabash, with a close-range header, formed the final score.

    Referee: A. Taylor (England)
    Yellows: Kusanov – Mojica
    Reds:
    Lineups:

    UZBEKISTAN (Fabio Cannavaro): Yusupov, Kusanov, Ashurmatov (77′ Urozov), Nasrulaev (46′ Sayfiev), Abdullaev, Karimov, Mozgovoy, Sukurov, Urunov (46′ Kamdamov), Faizulaev (77′ Amonov), Somurodov (90+3′ Sergeev).

    COLOMBIA (Nestor Lorenzo): Vargas, Munos, Loukoumi, Puerta (80′ Rios), Mojica, Sanchez, James Rodriguez (72′ Campas), Arias (90+3′ Castano), Lerma, Diaz (90+3′ Gomez), Suarez (80′ Cutso Hernandez).