Silk Road Ambition Meets South American Soul at the Iconic Estadio Azteca
Line-ups 🇺🇿 UZB 3-4-2-1 🇨🇴 COL 4-3-3
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Starting XI
- 1 Utkir Yusupov G
- 2 Abdukodir Khusanov D
- 18 Abdulla Abdullaev D
- 5 Rustam Ashurmatov D
- 24 Bekhruz Karimov M
- 6 Akmal Mozgovoy M
- 7 Otabek Shukurov M
- 13 Sherzod Nasrullaev M
- 22 Abbosbek Fayzullaev F
- 11 Oston Urunov F
- 14 Eldor Shomurodov F
Substitutes
- 4 Farrukh Sayfiev D
- 17 Dostonbek Khamdamov M
- 12 Abduvohid Nematov G
- 16 Botirali Ergashev G
- 3 Khozhiakbar Alizhonov D
- 15 Umarbek Eshmuradov D
- 25 Avazbek Ulmasaliev D
- 26 Jakhongir Urozov D
- 8 Jamshid Iskanderov M
- 9 Odiljon Hamrobekov M
- 10 Ruslanbek Jiyanov M
- 19 Azizjon Ganiev M
- 23 Sherzod Esanov M
- 20 Azizbek Amonov F
- 21 Igor Sergeev F
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
Starting XI
- 12 Camilo Vargas G
- 2 Daniel Muñoz D
- 23 Davinson Sánchez D
- 3 Jhon Lucumí D
- 17 Johan Mojica D
- 14 Gustavo Puerta M
- 16 Jefferson Lerma M
- 11 Jhon Arias M
- 10 James Rodríguez F
- 25 Luis Suárez F
- 7 Luis Díaz F
Substitutes
- 24 Álvaro Montero G
- 1 David Ospina G
- 22 Deiver Machado D
- 4 Santiago Arias D
- 18 Willer Ditta D
- 13 Yerry Mina D
- 5 Kevin Castaño M
- 6 Richard Ríos M
- 8 Jorge Carrascal M
- 15 Juan Portilla M
- 20 Juan Fernando Quintero M
- 21 Jaminton Campaz M
- 26 Andrés Gómez F
- 9 Jhon Córdoba F
- 19 Cucho Hernández F
A historic night beckons in Mexico City as Uzbekistan makes its long-awaited debut on the world stage. Under the tactical stewardship of 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the White Wolves bring a disciplined, resilient brand of football to Group K. Their qualification journey was defined by a formidable defensive record, but the rarefied air of the Estadio Azteca presents a unique physical and psychological challenge for the Central Asian newcomers.
Colombia enters this fixture as the seasoned favorite, revitalized under Néstor Lorenzo and playing with a rhythmic intensity that mirrors their vallenato heritage. Los Cafeteros missed the 2022 edition and return with a point to prove, blending the veteran vision of James Rodríguez with the explosive pace of Luis Díaz. The contest will likely be decided by whether Uzbekistan's rigid defensive structure can withstand the creative fluidity and high-pressing system that has become the hallmark of the modern Colombian side.
Head to head
This fixture marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Uzbekistan and Colombia at the senior level. While the White Wolves are celebrating their maiden World Cup appearance, Colombia brings a storied pedigree to the pitch, having reached the knockout stages in three of their last four participations, including a memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2014.
Players to watch
The RC Lens defender is the cornerstone of Cannavaro's backline and will be tasked with neutralizing Colombia's elite wingers.
As the nation's all-time leading scorer, his ability to convert rare counter-attacking opportunities is vital for an upset.
His world-class 1v1 dribbling and transition speed make him the most dangerous attacking threat on the pitch.
The golden boot winner of 2014 remains the orchestrator of the Colombian attack, providing the decisive final pass from midfield.
Fun facts
- Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, meaning they are surrounded entirely by other landlocked nations.
- The Estadio Azteca is the first stadium in history to host three different FIFA World Cup opening matches (1970, 1986, and 2026).
- Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro is one of the few men to have won the World Cup as a captain and then manage a team in the tournament.
- Colombia's nickname, Los Cafeteros, refers to the country's status as one of the world's premier producers of high-quality Arabica coffee.
- The 02:00 UTC kickoff means fans in Tashkent will be watching their nation's historic debut at 07:00 AM local time.
- Despite their first appearance in 2026, Uzbekistan has been a powerhouse in Asian youth football, winning the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in 2023.