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Uzbekistan vs Colombia Preview - Colombia tipped for victory at FIFA World Cup

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 17 Jun 2026

Ralph Staniforth 17 Jun 2026

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Uzbekistan debut at World Cup, face tough test vs Colombia.
Colombia's strong squad (Suarez, Diaz) favored to win in Houston.
Luis Suarez predicted to be key goal scorer.

Expired

Luis Suarez is set to lead the line for Colombia at the 2026 World Cup (Getty)

Uzbekistan are making their debut at the World Cup and could find it tough against the top teams. Colombia have a far stronger squad, Luis Suarez to replicate his club form and fire the South American side to victory.

Head to Head
Uzbekistan Form
Uzbekistan News & Predicted Lineup
Colombia Form
Colombia News & Predicted Lineup

Head to Head

Uzbekistan and Colombia are meeting for the first time.

Uzbekistan Form

Uzbekistan are competing in the first World Cup, losing only one of their qualifiers in the third round. Keeping it tight was their style, scoring 14 goals with seven conceded.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup in September, beating Iran 1-0 in extra time in the final.

The White Wolves hosted two friendlies in March, a 3-1 victory over Gabon followed by a 0-0 draw against Venezuela. Two more matches were played this month, a 2-0 defeat to Canada and 2-1 loss against Netherlands.

Uzbekistan News & Predicted Lineup

Captain Eldor Shomurodov leads the way up front with 44 goals in 92 internationals. He is one of five players with more than 50 caps.

Centrre-back Husniddin Aliqulov missed out due to a cruciate ligament injury. Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov has plenty of responsibility for the debutants.

Uzbekistan (3-4-3): Utkir Yusupov; Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov; Khojiakbar Alijonov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov, Jaloliddin Masharipov

Colombia Form

Colombia claimed third spot in the South American qualifiers, registering home wins against Brazil and Argentina. They scored 28 goals, Luis Diaz leading the way with seven and Luis Suarez netting four times.

The Tricolour took on some top opposition in March, losing 2-1 to Croatia and 3-1 against France.

Nestor Lorenzo's side performed better against easier teams in June, defeating Costa Rica 3-1 in Bogota where Diaz and Suarez found the net. Jhon Arias scored twice in a 2-0 win against Jordan in the final friendly.

Colombia News & Predicted Lineup

James Rodriguez played in the previous two friendlies, registering assists in both games. The 2014 Golden Boot winner has scored 31 goals in 126 internationals.

Luis Suarez should start up front ahead of Cucho Hernandez and Jhon Cordoba.

Colombia (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica; Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez; Luis Diaz; Luis Suarez

Verdict

Uzbekistan v Colombia

Uzbekistan could struggle against the big guns in Group K, their squad featuring one player who competes at the top level. Colombia should be too good in Houston where I am backing Luis Suarez to score first.

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Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.