FIFA World Cup 2026 Squads, Stats & Preview, TV Channel, Online Live Stream & Predictions

Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw against Spain and Australia’s 2-0 win over Turkey were « textbook examples » of the defensive sophistication Uzbekistan must show at the World Cup, centre-back Rustam Ashurmatov said before his side opened their campaign against Colombia in Mexico City on Thursday.

Having conceded just 11 goals in 16 games to qualify automatically behind Iran, the White Wolves have at least two inspirational defensive figures in their ranks in manager Fabio Cannavaro and centre-back Abdukodir Husanovwho became the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club when he signed for Manchester City from Lens for around £33.6m in January 2025.

« If we don’t make individual mistakes, we are fully ready for the match, » Ashurmatov told the Football Association of Uzbekistan.

« There can be different mistakes and so on, but in any situation we have to fight until the end of these 90 minutes. We will get at least one half-chance or an opportunity. »

The bad news for Uzbekistan is that Colombia were prolific in qualifying and secured wins against World Cup winners Argentina and record five-time winners Brazil along the way.

Los Cafeteros did not qualify in 2022, but won six games and lost twice in the two previous World Cup tournaments, reaching the round of 16 in 2018 and the quarterfinals in 2014.

« We saw that Uzbekistan is a team with quick transitions, » noted midfielder Juan Portilla. « Their full-backs attack a lot. It’s a very, very strong side of theirs and we see how to counter.

« There is always a bit of anxiety and that is also important – to be aware of that anxiety ahead of such an important World Cup opener. We are calm because we know what a great group we have to face. »

This is the second match in Group K, which starts at Portugal vs DR Congo in Mexico City on Wednesday (6pm BST).

World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan vs Colombia squad news

Central defender Husnidin Alikulov missed out on the Uzbekistan team after undergoing knee surgery in February. Right back Khodzhiakbar Aliyonov (hamstring) and Aziz Ganiev (hammer) are questionable.

Hugely experienced attacking midfielder Jalolidin Masharipov has been out of action for over a year, having missed both of his country’s warm-up friendlies with a back problem since returning from a serious knee injury.

There were concerns over the health of James Rodriguez when the Colombia captain was hospitalized with severe dehydration in April, but the former Real Madrid playmaker and 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner returned with assists in each of their friendlies against Costa Rica and Jordan this month.

Left back Daver Machado made a brief appearance against Los Ticos after missing two games for Nantes in May with a dead leg.