Uzbekistan faces Colombia in World Cup 2026 Group K opener in Mexico City

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K opener will be played on 18 June at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, pitting Uzbekistan against Colombia.

Uzbekistan have become the first Central Asian nation to reach a World Cup finals, qualifying after an unbeaten AFC campaign and winning the CAFA Nations Cup. Coach Fabio Cannavaro’s side entered the tournament with recent friendlies lost to Canada and the Netherlands, and midfielder Aziz Ganiev remains a fitness doubt following an injury.

Colombia return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition, having qualified as the best South American team behind Argentina and Ecuador. Under coach Néstor Lorenzo they finished strong in CONMEBOL qualifying and entered the finals with a fully fit squad after victories over Costa Rica and Jordan in preparation.