Colombia football

Mexico City Stadium: Colombia will begin their World Cup campaign as clear favourites, but they cannot afford to overlook an Uzbekistan side eager to make history in their first appearance on football's biggest stage when the two sides face off at the Mexico City Stadium.

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.

Néstor 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 Díaz and the creativity of James Rodríguez, 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.