Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal: Fayzullaev heads in on debut, but Colombia win 3-1

The 60th minute

Colombia pushed for most of the first half and led through Daniel Munoz in the 40th minute. Then, just after the hour, Uzbekistan struck. Eldor Shomurodov crossed from the left, Dostonbek Khamdamov volleyed it against the post, and the rebound dropped to 22-year-old Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who headed it in to make it 1-1. It was the first goal Uzbekistan have ever scored at a World Cup (FIFA, FOX Sports).

The parity did not last. Luis Diaz restored Colombia's lead when the Uzbekistan goalkeeper failed to hold a low effort, and substitute Jamilton Campaz added a third in stoppage time. Final score: 1-3 (ESPN).

From Kapadze to Cannavaro

How Uzbekistan reached this stage is itself unusual. In June 2025 a 0-0 draw away to the United Arab Emirates secured a place at the finals, making them the first Central Asian nation to qualify for a World Cup. The coach who got them there was Timur Kapadze. But before the tournament the federation moved Kapadze aside and hired Fabio Cannavaro — the 2006 World Cup-winning captain and 2005 Ballon d'Or winner — with Kapadze staying on as one of his assistants (FIFA). The squad is captained by Istanbul Basaksehir forward Shomurodov, the country's all-time top scorer, and includes Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov (Novastan).

Where it sits in Asia's tournament

For Japanese fans this is not a distant story. A record nine AFC nations are at this 48-team World Cup. Before the Uzbekistan game, ESPN reported, Asian teams had gone six matches unbeaten — two wins and four draws: South Korea beat Czechia, Australia beat Turkiye, while Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, Iran drew with New Zealand and Saudi Arabia drew with Uruguay (ESPN). Uzbekistan's 1-3 is one of the first defeats in that run, and also the moment the continent's newest entrant got onto the scoresheet for the first time.

Group K after one round

Colombia move top of Group K on three points. Portugal and DR Congo, who drew 1-1 the day before, each sit on one. Uzbekistan, beaten on their debut but not kept off the board, are on zero. The group's opening round is now complete (ESPN).