Colombia’s Luis Diaz (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal. (AP Photo)

Luis Diaz marked his FIFA World Cup debut in style with a goal and an assist as Colombia opened their 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan, moving to the top of Group K ahead of Portugal.Back at the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, the South Americans showed their superior experience and quality to secure three points in front of a crowd of 80,824 at the Estadio Azteca. Portugal’s surprise 1-1 draw against DR Congo earlier in the day ensured Nestor Lorenzo’s side finished the opening round of fixtures as group leaders.

Diaz inspires Colombia on World Cup return

Colombia dominated possession from the outset and repeatedly tested Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan side. Luis Diaz came close to breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute when he burst through the defence, only to see his effort crash against the far post.The breakthrough finally arrived five minutes before half-time. Jefferson Lerma produced a delicate pass over the Uzbek backline and Daniel Munoz timed his run perfectly before smashing a first-time volley beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to hand Colombia a deserved lead.Munoz, like Diaz, was making his first appearance on football’s grandest stage and celebrated his maiden World Cup goal in memorable fashion.

Uzbekistan fight back before Colombia regain control

The World Cup debutants refused to back down and drew level in the 60th minute. Eldor Shomurodov’s volley was spilled by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest to nod home the rebound and send the Uzbek supporters into celebration.However, parity lasted only five minutes.A loose throw-in near the halfway line allowed Colombia to launch a swift counterattack. Gustavo Puerta found Diaz in space and the Liverpool forward calmly drilled a low effort past Yusupov. The goalkeeper got a hand to the shot but could not prevent it from trickling over the line.Substitute Jaminton Campaz then wrapped up the victory deep into stoppage time with Colombia’s third goal.

Group K standings take shape

The victory lifted the 13th-ranked Colombians above Portugal and DR Congo in Group K after their 1-1 draw earlier.Colombia, quarterfinalists in the 2014 World Cup, will next face DR Congo in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan will attempt to bounce back against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Houston.