Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has an opening matchup of Colombia vs Uzbekistan, after Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 in the other group opening match. Here’s a look at how Nestor Lorenzo and Fabio Cannavaro’s teams will lineup to kick off their first match of the tournament.
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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
“We know the country needs a reason to smile, and that’s why we want to play well.” said Nestor Lorenzo pre-match. Lorenzo is set to lead with James Rodriguez as the starting #10, the player he trusts, despite his poor form at club level. There’s a bit of a logjam in the Colombia midfield but the veteran Richard Rios should get the nod and try to play himself into form. Juan Fernando Quintero is set to come off the bench and relieve James in the second half, while Santiago Arias is behind Daniel Munoz at RB.
Without injuries, and without drama off the field, there’s only the weight of anticipation on Colombia this tournament. Few nations can boast their level of traveling fan support, as they will fill the Estadio Azteca and cover it with a yellow wave, as the supporters try to lift this team. With group favorites Portugal only managing a draw in the opening match, Colombia’s opportunity to take group leadership is already on offer.
Uzbekistan Team News
Fabio Cannovaro, a former World Cup champion with Italy, has embraced an underdog mindset for his World Cup debutants Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan are set to come out defensively minded, but positively enough to look for counterattack opportunities. Their on-field star is Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov, who marshals the defence.
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Colombia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Confirmed lineups will be posted as soon as available
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)
Confirmed lineups will be posted as soon as available
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
