Preview: Uzbekistan vs Colombia prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

This will be the first-ever encounter between these two nations.

Mexico City Stadium in Mexico will host an enthralling FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter between Uzbekistan and Colombia. Both teams are placed in Group K of the competition and will compete with Portugal and DR Congo to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Uzbekistan made history when they secured a 0-0 draw against the UAE and qualified for their first-ever World Cup. They prioritised strong defence and relied on homegrown talent like Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov to accomplish this massive achievement. Their last international game ended in a 2-1 loss against the Netherlands.

Colombia, on the other hand, finished third in the CONMEBOL standings as they secured 28 points to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They made their way to the finals of the 2024 Copa America and will look to take a final step towards eternal glory during this competition. Colombia have talented players like James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz among their ranks.

Kickoff:

• Location: Mexico City, Mexico• Stadium: Mexico City Stadium• Date: Thursday, 18 June• Kick-off time: 02:00 AM (GMT); 07:30 AM (IST); 16/06/2026 – 09:00 PM (EST)• Referee: TBD• VAR: In Use

Form:

Uzbekistan (in all competitions): L-L-W-W-L

Colombia (in all competitions): W-W-L-L-W

Players to watch out for:

Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan)

Manchester City’s star center back, Abdukodir Khusanov, will be one of the most crucial players for Uzbekistan in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. He possesses a a frightening pace and is renowned for his fearless and aggressive tackling. Considering the attacking threat of Colombia, Uzbekistan will rely heavily on him to keep them at bae.

Luis Díaz (Colombia)

Luis Díaz is one of the best wingers in the world. He is electric on the wings and is very effective with his dribbling. He makes clever movements in the opposition box as well and scores consistently for the national team. Containing him will be a very difficult task for Uzbekistan.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Match Facts:

• This will be the first-ever encounter between these two nations.
• Uzbekistan lost 2-1 against the Netherlands in their last game.
• Colombia won 2-0 against Jordan in their last game.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia: Betting odds & tips

• Tip 1: Colombia to win – 1.55 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.71 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.29 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Uzbekistan Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev

Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev

Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Oston Urunov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov

Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov

Colombia Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, Álvaro Montero

Defenders: Johan Mojica, Devier Machado, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Willer Ditta

Midfielders: James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castaño, Jaminton Campaz

Forwards: Luis Díaz, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernández, Jhon Arias

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Head to Head:

This will be the first-ever encounter between these two nations.

Predicted Lineups

Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1)

Yusupov (GK); Ashurmatov, Khusanov, Urozov; Sayfiev,  Mozgovoy,  Shukurov,  Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov

Colombia (4-2-3-1)

Vargas (GK); Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; Rodríguez,  Arias, Díaz; Suárez,

Match Prediction:

Colombia are the favourites to emerge victorious against Uzbekistan in their upcoming clash as they have a better squad depth and more experience of performing at the world stage.

Prediction: Uzbekistan 1-2 Colombia

Telecast Details:

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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