Second-half objectives from Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz gave Colombia a 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan because the final two groups started their World Cup 2026 marketing campaign.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev had equalised Daniel Munoz’s first-half opener in Mexico Metropolis, however Bayern Munich’s Diaz put them forward earlier than Campaz’s late header lastly noticed off a battling Uzbekistan.
A bodily begin to the match noticed Colombia’s Johan Mojica booked after simply seven minutes, the South People having fun with extra of the possession with Jhon Arias firing the primary actual likelihood large from exterior the field.
Diaz struck the publish as he fired throughout purpose and moments later was bundled off the ball by Manchester Metropolis defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who collected a cameraman and a yellow card.
Diaz picked himself off the bottom and 6 minutes earlier than half-time, his ball into the field was met by a well-timed run from Crystal Palace full-back Munoz to steer the ball previous goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
Uzbekistan confirmed extra attacking intent after the break and located an equaliser with their first actual alternative on the hour mark, Camilo Vargas saving Eldor Shomurodov’s volley just for the ball to loop up and Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed residence from nearly on the road.
The lead lasted simply 5 minutes, Yusupov failing to maintain out Diaz’s shot as Colombia broke in numbers after regaining possession in midfield.
Substitute Campaz lastly ended any doubt as he headed in Cucho Hernandez’s cross 9 minutes into stoppage time, though teenager Bekhruz Karimov nonetheless had time to crash a shot in opposition to the crossbar.
