Colombia and Uzbekistan open Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Tuesday night. Kick-off is at 10 PM Eastern Time, the final match of a packed Tuesday schedule across North America.
Playing at the Azteca adds a layer of atmosphere that few stadiums in world football can match. The ground has hosted two World Cup finals — in 1970 and 1986 — and is one of the most recognisable venues in the sport. For both Colombia and Uzbekistan, it is a stage unlike any they have encountered before.
Colombia return to the World Cup with significant momentum. They finished third at the 2024 Copa America, reached the final of the 2021 edition, and qualified for 2026 with ease through CONMEBOL. James Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot in 2014, is back in the squad and still capable of match-changing moments. Luis Diaz of Liverpool and Jhon Duran add pace and pressing intensity in the attacking third. Colombia are widely expected to advance from this group and could push deep into the knockout stages.
Uzbekistan are in unfamiliar territory. This is the Central Asian nation’s first World Cup appearance, qualifying through the expanded AFC process. Their squad is largely based in domestic clubs and the Russian Premier League, with a handful of players in European football. The White Wolves, as they are known, are disciplined and technically capable at regional level, but a World Cup group stage against Colombia and — in the next game — another strong CONMEBOL opponent, represents a different challenge entirely.
Group K is expected to be competitive. Beyond Colombia and Uzbekistan, the group includes two more teams whose fixtures on other days will shape the standings. Colombia are favourites to top the group. This opening match sets the tone for how far they go.
Uzbekistan will likely focus on defensive solidity and try to contain Colombia’s attacking width. Their best chance of a result here is keeping the score level until the final quarter, then attempting to nick something on the counter.
For Colombian fans, the expectation is three points. A clean sheet would be a bonus, given the squad’s history of conceding goals even in winning performances. James Rodriguez, now 33, knows this could be his last World Cup, and he arrived in Mexico looking sharp in training.
Kick-off is at 10 PM ET on June 17 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City. FS1 and Telemundo carry the match in the United States.
