Colombia open World Cup against Uzbekistan with 26 lions

Your World Cup starts Wednesday against Uzbekistan

Colombia returns to the World Cup after missing Qatar 2022. Uzbekistan in the Group K opener at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday. First ever World Cup match for Uzbekistan (2). Luis Díaz leads the attack after a season where Liverpool's no. 7 finished as the team's top scorer (1).

Colombia are clear favourites. The squad arrives sharp. A 7–1 win in their final warm-up match, the biggest margin of any team in the tournament so far.

Lorenzo: "We have 26 lions"

Néstor Lorenzo faced the press on Tuesday, one day before the opener, and his message was simple. "We have 26 lions," the manager said, making clear he trusts every player in the squad (3).

James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz are both ready. Lorenzo confirmed both are in good condition heading into the match. During the press conference, the manager was also given a gift by journalists, a moment that underlined the warmth around this camp (3).

James backs Díaz for the Ballon d'Or

James Rodríguez has set the bar high. If Colombia win the World Cup, he said, Luis Díaz deserves the Ballon d'Or. No hesitation. The captain wants fans to dream of a deep run and he is putting his teammate front and centre.

Colombia's last World Cup appearance was Brazil 2014, where they reached the quarter-finals. This squad believes it can go further.