Uzbekistan vs Colombia World Cup 2026 preview

Uzbekistan and Colombia meet at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on 18 June 2026, kicking off at 02:00 GMT (22:00 EST on 17 June). The Group K opener carries big weight: Portugal and DR Congo complete the group, so an early result could define either side's path to the knockout rounds.

Uzbekistan arrive as first-time World Cup participants after a historic qualifying campaign that made them the first Central Asian nation to reach the finals, capped by a 3-0 win over Qatar to secure direct entry. Fabio Cannavaro's squad boasts a fully fit defensive spine led by Abdukodir Khusanov and Rustam Ashurmatov, midfield stoppers Otabek Shukurov and Odiljon Hamrobekov, and attacking outlets in Eldor Shomurodov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Jaloliddin Masharipov.

Colombia return after missing the 2022 tournament, finishing third in CONMEBOL with 28 qualifying goals and notable home victories over Brazil and Argentina; they sealed qualification with a 3-0 win over Bolivia.

Mexico, Mexico City

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