Cape Verdes 0-0 draw against Spain and Australias 2-0 win over Turkiye are textbook examples of the defensive rigour Uzbekistan need to show at the World Cup, centre-back Rustam Ashurmatov says before his side start their campaign against Colombia in Mexico City on Thursday.Having conceded only 11 goals in 16 matches to qualify automatically behind Iran, the White Wolves have at least two inspirational defensive figures among their ranks in manager Fabio Cannavaro and centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who became the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club when he signed for Manchester City from Lens for around �33.6 million in January 2025.If we dont make individual mistakes, we are fully ready for the game, Ashurmatov told the Uzbekistan Football Association.There can be different mistakes and so on but, in any situation, we must fight until the end of those 90 minutes. We will get at least one half-chance or opportunity.The bad news for Uzbekistan is that Colombia were prolific in qualifying and secured wins against World Cup holders Argentina and record five-time winners Brazil along the way.Los Cafeteros did not qualify in 2022 but won six games and lost twice across the two preceding World Cup tournaments, reaching the last 16 in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2014.We have seen that Uzbekistan are a team that has fast transitions, observed midfielder Juan Portilla. Their full-backs go on the attack a lot. That is a very, very strong point of theirs, and one that we have been seeing how to counteract.Theres always a little bit of anxiety, and thats also important to be alert to that anxiety before such an important opening game at a World Cup. Were calm because we know what a great group we have to face it.This is the second match in Group K, which starts when Portugal face DR Congo in Mexico City on Wednesday (18:00 BST).Table of ContentsWorld Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia team newsUzbekistan v Colombia World Cup 2026 predicted line-upsWhere to watch Uzbekistan v Colombia: TV channel, live online streamWorld Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia statsWorld Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia predictionWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWorld Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia team newsCentre-back Husniddin Aliqulov missed out on Uzbekistans squad after having knee surgery in February. Right-back Khojiakbar Alijonov (calf) and Aziz Ganiev (knock) are doubts.Hugely experienced attacking midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov has not featured for more than a year, missing both of his countrys warm-up friendlies with a back issue following his return from a serious knee injury.There were fears over James Rodriguezs health when the Colombia captain was hospitalised with severe dehydration in April but the former Real Madrid playmaker and 2014 World Cup golden boot winner returned with assists in each of their friendlies against Costa Rica and Jordan this month.Left-back Deiver Machado made a brief appearance against Los Ticos, having missed two matches for Nantes in May with a dead leg.Uzbekistan v Colombia World Cup 2026 predicted line-upsUzbekistan starting XI: Utkir Yusupov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Jakhongir Urozov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Oston Urunov, Eldor ShomurodovColombia starting XI: Camilo Vargas, Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica, James Rodriguez, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, Luis Diaz, Luis SuarezWhere to watch Uzbekistan v Colombia: TV channel, live online streamKick-off on Thursday is at 03:00 BST (22:00 ET on Wednesday / 19:00 on Wednesday PT). In the UK, live coverage is on BBC One.Streaming on a vast range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website.World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia statsUzbekistan are making their World Cup debut and aiming to become the first team since Slovakia in 2010 to reach the knockout stage on their maiden appearanceThey are one of only five teams to have reached the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup at each of the last six tournaments, alongside Iran, Iraq, Japan and Korea Republic.Qatar were the only team to beat Uzbekistan in their 16 qualifiers, scoring the winner in the 12th minute of added time at homeEldor Shomurodov was involved in more goals than any other Uzbekistan player in qualifying, contributing five goals and four assistsHead coach Fabio Cannavaro played every minute as captain of winners Italy at the 2006 World Cup, with his appearances at four editions a joint-record for the AzzurriAppointed in October 2025, Cannavaro is in his second managerial spell with a national team after leading China PR in 2019This will be Colombias seventh World Cup appearance and their first since 2018, with their bestperformance coming in 2014 with a run to a quarter-final defeat against hosts BrazilNone of Colombias World Cup matches have ended 0-0; only Austria (29) have featured in more World Cup matches without a goalless drawOnly Argentina (31) scored more goals than Colombia (28) in CONMEBOL qualifying. They scored more headers (7) than any other nationLionel Messi (8) is the only player to have scored more than Colombias Luis Diaz (7) in South American qualifyingRodriguez led the assist charts with seven, which was three more than any other playerColombia boss Nestor Lorenzo is at his first World Cup as a coach but is one of three managers at the 2026 tournament to have played in a final at the tournament, having featured for Argentina in the 1990 showpiece against West GermanyLorenzo guided Colombia to their first Copa America final in 23 years in 2024, losing after extra time to ArgentinaWorld Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia predictionUzbekistan 0-2 ColombiaColombia have scored in each of their last nine matches at the finals and will be able to break Uzbekistan down if they continue their qualifying form. The underdogs friendly results this month suggest they should hold their own, remaining level until the 58th minute in a 2-0 defeat to Canada and only losing to the Netherlands via a last-gasp penalty.What To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWe understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: www.gambleaware.com Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Colombia National Football Team FIFA World Cup James Rodriguez Luis Diaz World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Portugal v DR Congo: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview for Cristiano Ronaldo team, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 16th June, 2026 Lionel Messi: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Argentina squad Ben Miller 16th June, 2026 Kylian Mbappe: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full France squad Ben Miller 16th June, 2026 Argentina v Algeria: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream to watch Lionel Messi, prediction Mitch Fretton 16th June, 2026 Uruguay boss Bielsa defends World Cup photos: I did nothing wrong Ben Miller 16th June, 2026 World Cup star gives Donald Trump message over Iran war: We just want peace Ben Miller 16th June, 2026
