- Recent results: Colombia have won their last two matches, defeating Costa Rica and Jordan 3-1 and 2-0 respectively.
- Recent form: Uzbekistan have lost the last two, away defeats to Canada and the Netherlands.
- Form: Colombia are undefeated in their last three away games, winning two and drawing one, conceding one goal per game.
Uzbekistan to be tested in World Cup debut
Debut and challenge
Uzbekistan are set to make their debut in a FIFA World Cup, but the debutant's opponents on Thursday will be an established CONMEBOL heavyweight in Colombia, who are expected to provide a stern test at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico.
Form and organisation
Fabio Cannavaro's side have had a tough run of fixtures in Friendly International Matches 2026, recently falling to away defeats to both Canada and the Netherlands in their previous two games. They're a well-organized team who have looked capable of competing against some tough opponents, however, and will look to give Colombia something to think about here.
Cannavaro has made the Uzbek side tough to break down since taking charge in October 2025, organising them around a compact block with three central defenders and keeping the tempo of the game under control. They have a direct, fast-paced transition game that allows them to counter-attack with their fullbacks as wide forwards, but they'll likely have to get lucky and score off a set piece to cause Colombia any issues.
Colombia have a strong balance of creativity and physicality
Néstor Lorenzo has instilled a more vertical, wing-driven style of play to Colombia's attacking game since taking the helm in June 2022, and his side have more than enough creativity and forward depth to give this Uzbekistan side problems. Jhon Arias is the key spark of Colombia's attack, and he's scored 3 of their most recent 10 goals in all competitions. Colombia's double pivot provides plenty of flexibility and a solid platform for the wide playmakers to overload opposing defenders, making the Colombians dangerous at any moment.
Colombia to make a statement in World Cup 2026 opener
The 'No' side of the 'Both teams to score' market is where we'll be heading here, at 1.63. Colombia are good enough to break down this Uzbekistan block and we're expecting them to do just that and earn a vital early victory in World Cup Group K.
- The Colombians are heavy favorites at 1.44 for this game, while Uzbekistan are 8.5 to kick off their World Cup journey with an upset.
- The odds certainly aren't on the underdogs, but the draw price of 4.6 looks too high, even for a first-time World Cup nation.
- Uzbekistan have won 6, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Colombia are in the better current form, winning their last 2 games, and they've won 7, drawn 1 and lost just 2 of their last 10 in all competitions.
