Colombia begins their World Cup journey against debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday, June 17th. Colombia vs Uzbekistan is the opening fixture of Group K, alongside Portugal vs DR Congo. Mexico City and the beautifully renovated Estadio Azteca plays host to Los Cafeteros, in front of what should be a very partisan, pro Colombia crowd clad in yellow and blue and eager to see their national team try to live up to its potential.
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Colombia vs Uzbekistan
Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
Venue: Mexico City, Mexico (Estadio Azteca)
Kick Off: 20:00 local time in Mexico City
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Current Odds: Colombia 1.42, Draw 4.72, Uzbekistan 9.40
Colombia Team News
Colombia will be heavy favorites in their first two group stage games, but having missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup entirely, they bring a veteran team that is a mix of players from the 2014 and 2018 World Cup squads, and some fresh faces, like Bayern Munich superstar Luis Diaz, that are hoping to make new memories for the national team. Given the subpar start for the majority of CONEMBOL teams this World Cup, Colombia under Nestor Lorenzo will not want to take anything for granted.
The good news is all 26 men selected for this team appear to be fit and ready to feature if called upon. Luis Suarez (Sporting CP) will be the first choice as striker, James Rodriguez should start in the #10 but will rarely play all 90 minutes, meaning there’s a key role for Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate) as the backup #10. Gustavo Puerta (Real Racing Club) could get the nod in the midifeld role, while a young Andres Gomez (Vasco da Gama) may get minutes as a midfield sparkplug.
In the back, there’s some debate whether veteran Santiago Arias (CA Independiente) should get the LB role, or if Johan Mojica (Mallorca) should continue as starter. Camilo Vargas (Atlas) is the first choice in goal. Colombia’s backline is considered their weak spot this tournament. Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul) was brought in as a surprise call up as a backup CB behind the veterans Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray) and Jhon Lucumi (Bologna).
Despite his significant experience in world football, including two previous World Cups, Santiago Arias stated he still feels “butterflies in his stomach” regarding the World Cup, when he met with the media before the match. That’s perhaps fitting, given Colombia’s home yellow jersey this World Cup features butterflies in the design.
With an older team, playing at altitude in Mexico City could impact Colombia, Arias said: “we have prepared quite well. We have trained in places with altitude, and we have been in places where it has not been difficult for us. The important thing is to have a winning mentality and go out to face this match with all the seriousness,”
Uzbekistan Team News
Fabio Cannavaro is at the World Cup, while Italy is not. Cannavaro is steering Uzbekistan in its first World Cup, and believes his underdog squad has the makings of a team that can reach the knockout phase. Cannavaro has demanded his team play “without fear” and went on to recognize the talents of Colombia’s players including Luis Diaz.
“I try to help remove the pressure,” Cannavaro told reporters on Tuesday according to Reuters. “The stage is tough. I try to explain to them to enjoy it because it’s the first time, we don’t have anything to lose.
“But it doesn’t mean that we will just be enjoying the moment. We know that we need to fight.”
Uzbekistan have been developing their football project rapidly, but are still expected to setup defensively, at altitude against Colombia. Hoping to absorb pressure, and as shown by teams like Cape Verde and Egypt already this tournament, hit on the counter-attack when the opportunity arises. They will look to pressure a Colombia that wants to attack, and score early.
Read More: Portugal Predicted Lineup and Team News vs DR Congo Amid Manager Uncertainty
Colombia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
GK; Camilo Vargas
Defenders: Johan Mojica, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz
Midfield: Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodriguez
Forwards: Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, Jhon Arias
Uzbekistan Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
GK: Abduvokhid Nematov
Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Abdulla Abdullaev
Midfield: Sherzod Nasrullaev, Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Khamrobekov, Farrukh Sayfiev
Forwards: Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Oston Urunov, Eldor Shomurodov
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
