Colombia open World Cup against Uzbekistan at the Azteca

Your World Cup starts now

Colombia open their 2026 campaign against Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday (1) (2) (3). Group K. No margin for a slow start, Portugal and DR Congo wait in the wings.

James Rodríguez threw down a gauntlet before kickoff. Win the tournament, he said, and Luis Díaz should be Ballon d'Or (team background). Néstor Lorenzo's side comes in hot, having put seven past an opponent in the build-up.

TV coverage and kickoff details are locked in across Colombian and Mexican broadcasters (1) (6). The Azteca stage is set.

What to watch

Lorenzo's attack is the talking point. Seven goals in the final warm-up match, the biggest margin of any team in the tournament so far (team background). Díaz carries the expectations, backed publicly by James, and the whole squad trained at Atlas's academy base in Guadalajara to acclimatise (team background).

The Castaño selection still stirs debate back home. Falcao noted the midfielder barely plays at River Plate under Coudet, and the call-up split opinion in Colombia (team background).

Julián Quiñones will not wear yellow. The forward chose Mexico, Colombia's federation confirmed (team background). That one stings.

Next in Group K

Portugal and DR Congo both loom after Uzbekistan. No points today and Group K gets tight fast.