Colombia can sometimes get overshadowed by the traditional South American powers, but Los Cafeteros have the talent and experience to make a serious run in Group K.
They'll look to get off to a strong start against Uzbekistan, and my Colombia vs. Uzbekistan predictions back Luis Diaz and company to justify their status as sizable favorites in the tournament opener.
Take a closer look at this June 17 battle with my free World Cup picks.
Who will win Colombia vs Uzbekistan: Colombia -1.5 (+114)
Colombia brushed off the doubters during a rollercoaster qualifying campaign, and I’m picking Los Cafeteros to be equally dismissive against Uzbekistan on Wednesday. After seven wins from their last 10 games, the Colombians arrive at this tournament with a real swagger, and their attacking options will cause nightmares for the Uzbek defense here.
It starts with James Rodriguez’s midfield guile — seven assists in qualifying — and Luiz Diaz’s direct style on the left. In-form striker Luis Suarez, who piled up 28 goals for Sporting this season, should be the primary beneficiary.
As well as Abdulkodir Khusanov, who played for Manchester City in the second half of the Premier League season, he carries a huge burden at the center of the Uzbekistan defense, and if the underdogs’ 3-4-1-2 shape descends into a deep-lying 5-4-1 formation, Colombia’s pressure will eventually pay off.
The Uzbeks lost both of their World Cup warm-up outings, and this opening Group K clash feels like a major step up in class against a physical Colombian squad that know what it takes to reach the knockout rounds, as they did in 2018.
This pick is playable up to +100.
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TOp pick
Colombia vs Uzbekistan Over/Under Pick: Over 2.5 (-111)
Buckle up for scoring chances in midweek, because Colombia don’t serve up many dull contests. This Over has been a winning ticket in eight of their past 10 games, and I’m banking on a free-scoring opener here.
After all, Los Cafeteros wrapped up their qualifying slate with 10 goals in the final three contests, headlined by a 6-3 thriller against Venezuela.
Expect chances at both ends with this attacking Colombian lineup, where fullbacks Daniel Munoz and Johan Mojica are encouraged to take up advanced positions, and their talented front four hold the key to a big goal haul at Azteca Stadium.
An early Colombia strike would force Uzbekistan out of their shell, but the Over is still appealing if this game is a slow burner. Nestor Lorenzo can turn to Jhon Cordoba and Cucho Hernandez off the bench in the search for goals, and his team has an aerial threat at free-kicks and corners.
While defensive solidity is the Uzbeks’ strength, it’s not as if their recent record is stacked with stalemates. They tied 2-2 with China in January, and Eldor Shomurodov is a man to watch on their raids forward.
Colombia vs Uzbekistan goal scorer pick
Luiz Dias (+105)
Diaz’s dynamic performances propelled Bayern Munich this season, and he’s the pick here.
Cutting inside from the left wing, he’s always looking to test the keeper, and Uzbekistan’s back three will be stretched if Diaz drags a center back into wider positions. He found the net in Colombia’s warm-up win over Costa Rica earlier this month, and I expect Rodriguez to move the ball quickly in midfield to give Diaz one-on-one opportunities before Uzbekistan can double up on him.
In a contest where I see Los Cafeteros flexing their attacking muscles, Diaz should be one of the architects for an opening win.
Colombia vs Uzbekistan projected lineup
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; , Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1): Nematov; Alijonov, Khusanov, Ashurmatov, Karimov; Shukurov, Hamrobekov; Khamdamov, Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov
Colombia vs Uzbekistan injuries
Colombia: No injuries to report.
Uzbekistan: No injuries to report.
Colombia vs Uzbekistan weather
The forecast calls for a cloudy night at Azteca Stadium – after rain during the day – and temperatures in the low 60s by kick-off.
Colombia vs Uzbekistan odds
 Colombia |
 Uzbekistan |
|
|---|---|---|
| -250 | Moneyline | +900 |
| +380 | Draw | +380 |
| Over 2.5 (-111) | Total | Under 2.5 (-125) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Colombia vs Uzbekistan
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Estadio Banorte, Mexico City, Mexico |
| Date | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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