Uzbekistan - Colombia: score, highlights and statistics

Uzbekistan and Colombia meet in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener at the legendary Estadio Azteca - a historic clash between a World Cup first-timer and a side appearing at the tournament for the seventh time.

Match Info: Uzbekistan vs Colombia

This Group K fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 18 June 2026 at 03:00 BST at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of football's most iconic venues with a capacity of approximately 83,000 spectators.

Where to Watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia?

Viewers in the United States have the widest range of options. On television, the match is broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and Telemundo. Online, it can be streamed via FOX One, Foxsports.com, Fubo TV, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, and Futbol de Primera Radio.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can follow the action through broadcasters covering the FIFA World Cup 2026. In Canada, the match is available via TSN+. In Australia, coverage is provided by SBS On Demand, while viewers in New Zealand can tune in through TVNZ+.

Across other major markets: Argentina can watch via DIRECTV Sports Argentina on television or DIRECTV GO online; Colombia is served by DIRECTV GO and DIRECTV Play Deportes; Brazil by CazéTV; Spain by DAZN España; France by beIN SPORTS CONNECT F.R.; Italy by DAZN Italia; and Mexico by VIX.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia - Match Preview

On 18 June 2026, Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut against Colombia - a side ranked 13th in the world by FIFA - at the Estadio Azteca, in the first ever meeting between these two nations.

Group K pairs together Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. Colombia enter as one of the group's main contenders, coached by Nestor Lorenzo and anchored by two world-class talents: Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and playmaker James Rodriguez. The Colombians reached the Copa America 2024 final, narrowly losing to Argentina, and their best World Cup finish remains the quarterfinals of Brazil 2014. They come into this opening game with clear intentions to secure 3 points against a debutant.

Uzbekistan's participation is a landmark moment for Central Asian football. Guided by Fabio Cannavaro - Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning captain - the White Wolves qualified through Asia's third-round Group A as runners-up behind Iran. Centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays club football for Manchester City, provides elite defensive experience, while striker Eldor Shomurodov carries most of the attacking burden. Uzbekistan are one of 4 debutants at this World Cup, alongside Cape Verde, Curacao, and Jordan.

Head-to-Head: Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Uzbekistan and Colombia have never faced each other in any competitive or friendly fixture prior to this World Cup - making their meeting at the Estadio Azteca on 18 June 2026 the very first encounter in the history of both national teams.

With no previous meetings on record, here is what is known about this all-new rivalry:

• 18 June 2026 - FIFA World Cup 2026, Group K - Uzbekistan vs Colombia (first ever meeting)
• No head-to-head results exist prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Neither squad contains players with experience of facing the opposing national team.

Uzbekistan - Recent Form

Uzbekistan arrive at their first World Cup with a recent record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat across their last 5 matches, scoring 9 goals and conceding 7.

The most recent result is a concern: on 2 June 2026, Uzbekistan lost 0-2 to Canada in a friendly, a result that highlighted vulnerabilities against high-pressing opponents. Before that, the team drew 0-0 with Venezuela on 30 March and beat Gabon 3-1 on 27 March, showing they are capable of controlling matches against comparable opponents.

Earlier in the year, Uzbekistan beat Armenian club FC Urartu 4-2 on 30 January and drew 2-2 with China on 26 January. Fabio Cannavaro has built a defensively structured side with Khusanov as the cornerstone, but the squad's lack of experience against top-15 ranked opponents is the central question heading into Group K.

Colombia - Recent Form

Colombia enter the 2026 World Cup in solid shape, recording 3 wins, 0 draws, and 2 defeats in their last 5 matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding 7.

Their most recent match on 1 June 2026 was a comfortable 3-1 win over Costa Rica - a convincing send-off before the tournament. Before that, Colombia suffered back-to-back friendly defeats: a 1-3 loss to France on 29 March and a 1-2 defeat to Croatia on 26 March, both high-quality sparring matches against European opposition.

Looking at the broader picture, Colombia's late-2025 form was impressive: a 3-0 dismantling of Australia on 19 November and a 2-1 win over New Zealand on 16 November. With James Rodriguez pulling the strings in midfield and Luis Diaz stretching opposition defences on the left flank, Nestor Lorenzo has one of the most technically gifted squads in the tournament at his disposal.

Facts and Statistics

5 key facts about the Uzbekistan vs Colombia fixture:

• This is the first ever meeting between Uzbekistan and Colombia in any official or friendly match.
• Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut - the first Central Asian nation and the third former Soviet state (after Russia and Ukraine) to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals.
• Colombia are appearing at their 7th World Cup; their best result was a quarterfinal exit at Brazil 2014.
• Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro won the 2006 World Cup as Italy's captain; this is his debut as a national team coach at a World Cup.
• Estadio Azteca has hosted 2 World Cup finals (1970 and 1986), making it one of 3 venues in history to have done so.