While the South Americans bring decades of tournament experience, their opponents arrive with confidence after navigating the Asian qualifiers without suffering a defeat and establishing themselves as one of the continent's toughest defensive teams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
N\u00e9stor Lorenzo has overseen a remarkable resurgence since taking charge, transforming Colombia into one of South America's most consistent sides. Backed by a squad featuring the pace of Luis D\u00edaz and the creativity of James Rodr\u00edguez, Los Cafeteros possess the attacking quality to control proceedings, particularly in the final third. However, Lorenzo has stressed that Uzbekistan's organisation and counter-attacking threat make them a dangerous opening opponent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Uzbekistan, this fixture is about far more than simply making up the numbers. Led by World Cup-winning captain-turned-coach Fabio Cannavaro, the Central Asian nation has embraced the opportunity to test itself against established opposition on the grandest stage. Playing at the iconic Estadio Azteca only adds to the occasion, and if Uzbekistan can maintain the defensive discipline that carried them through qualifying, they could make Colombia work much harder than many expect before the final whistle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
How to watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia live in India:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Key details<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Date and kick-off time: Thursday, June 18, 07:30 AM IST<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Ciudad de Mexico<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Referee: Anthony Taylor<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squads:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Uzbekistan -<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Oston Urunov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Colombia -<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, \u00c1lvaro Montero<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defenders: Johan Mojica, Devier Machado, Daniel Mu\u00f1oz, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson S\u00e1nchez, Jhon Lucum\u00ed, Willer Ditta<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, \u00c1lvaro Montero<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Forwards: Luis D\u00edaz, Carlos Andr\u00e9s G\u00f3mez, Jhon C\u00f3rdoba, Juan Camilo Hern\u00e1ndez, Jhon Arias<\/p>\r\n\r\n