Uzbekistan’s first – Uzbekistan scored its first-ever World Cup goal when Abbosbek Fayzullaev tapped in off Camilo Vargas in a Group K match against Colombia at Estadio Azteca on June 17.
When Uzbekistan walked out for its first World Cup appearance, a milestone was already on the line—even before the match could turn. In Group K on Wednesday, June 17, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the Central Asian team finally found it: its first World Cup goal ever.
The moment came in the second half. Abbosbek Fayzullaev had the honors, with play swinging toward the left of the net and then across the pitch. Eldor Shomurodov attempted to knock the ball in, but it bounced off Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. Fayzullaev was already in the right spot to tap it in with his chest. equalizing Uzbekistan and bringing the teams level in their first World Cup game.
Uzbekistan’s goal did not settle the match. Colombia later took the lead again, but the equalizer stood out for its historical weight: a first World Cup strike for “the White Wolves,” arriving at a stadium as imposing as Estadio Azteca itself.
The broader stakes of the 2026 World Cup format mean those swings matter. The tournament features 48 nations split into 12 groups of four, with each team playing a round robin. Teams earn three points for a win and one point for a draw. and the top two from each group advance to the Round of 32. Eight additional teams advance as the best third-place finishers. with tiebreakers running through details like points in head-to-head matches. goal difference. goals scored. and even team conduct score tied to yellow and red cards. If teams remain equal on points. they are ranked using the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
For fans watching the schedule that day, the World Cup also included other Group K and Group L clashes. Portugal vs DR Congo (Group K) kicked off at 1:00 PM Eastern on Fox from NRG Stadium in Houston. Texas. while England vs Croatia (Group L) followed at 4:00 PM Eastern on Fox from AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Texas. Ghana vs Panama (Group L) started at 7:00 PM Eastern on FS1 from BMO Field in Toronto. Ontario. and Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Group K) at 10:00 PM Eastern aired on FS1 from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. CDMX.
The tournament runs on a tight calendar. Group Stage games run from June 11 to June 27. The Round of 32 is June 28 to July 3. followed by the Round of 16 from July 4 to July 7. quarterfinals on July 9 to July 11. semifinals on July 14 to July 15. and a third-place game on July 18 in Miami Gardens. Florida. The final is set for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Uzbekistan Colombia World Cup 2026 Group K Abbosbek Fayzullaev Eldor Shomurodov Camilo Vargas Estadio Azteca Mexico City