Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia - World Cup 2026 result as Luis Diaz stars to send South American side top of Group K

Luis Diaz starred as Colombia kicked off their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan.

After rattling the inside of the post with a fierce strike, Diaz produced a sublime pass over the top for Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz, who guided a clever first-time volley beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to open the scoring.

Uzbekistan, managed by Italy great Fabio Cannavaro, emerged strongly after the break and drew level through Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

But parity lasted only five minutes as Diaz got the goal his performance deserved. The Bayern Munich forward's effort on the counter was not the cleanest, yet Yusupov could only awkwardly help the ball into the bottom corner.

Uzbekistan threatened a shock draw with a couple of late opportunities, but their hopes were ended when Cucho Hernandez picked out Jaminton Campaz with a superb cross, and the forward powered home a header deep in second-half injury time.

Defeated but not deflated, Uzbekistan's Jakhongir Urozov almost grabbed a memorable consolation but his fierce effort from distance smashed the underside of the crossbar.

The result sends Colombia to the top of Group K after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.