Uzbekistan conclude the opening round of group stage fixtures with their Group K encounter against Colombia.
Uzbekistan are making their first appearance at the World Cup, whilst Colombia are back after an eight-year absence – having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition.
Team News
Jaloliddin Masharipov is a doubt for Uzbekistan due to an ongoing back injury.
Colombia have no injury concerns to report coming into this match.
When is Kick-Off?
Uzbekistan meet Colombia at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, on Wednesday 17 June at 8pm CST (3am BST, Thursday 18 June), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Uzbekistan’s first meeting against Colombia in all competitions.
- Colombia have won two of three previous World Cup matches against team from Asian Football Confederation (W2, L1).
- Uzbekistan are winless in their last three matches (D1, L2).
- Three of Colombia’s seven goals in 2026 has been scored by Jhon Arias.
Prediction
As debutants in a difficult group, Uzbekistan have nothing to lose in their three group matches but I do think that their best hope here is to go defensive and be clinical on the counter-attack given the contrast in firepower to Colombia.
Colombia meanwhile know that this is a huge opportunity to lay down a marker in terms of goal difference, because their next clash against DR Congo is likely to determine who finishes second in this group behind Portugal and who will face the third-placed lottery.
As nice as it would be to see Uzbekistan spring a surprise, I just think that this will end up being an one-sided match such is Colombia’s attacking quality.
Prediction: Uzbekistan 0-3 Colombia
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