World Cup 2026: Colombia vs Uzbekistan Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Colombia begin their Group K campaign against Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with kickoff at 04:00 CAT on Thursday, June 18. Colombia arrive among the favourites to progress, while Uzbekistan are making their first ever World Cup appearance and will be looking to spring a surprise against their more highly fancied opponent. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Colombia

Colombia come into their opener in excellent attacking form and they look the most likely of the chasing pack to push the Group K favourites in Portugal. James Rodriguez captains the side and is fit after a minor training knock, while Luis Diaz gives them genuine star quality out wide. Nestor Lorenzo has a balanced, experienced squad with no major injury concerns going into this match. In my opinion their movement and quality in the final third should prove decisive against a side new to the World Cup stage.

Predicted Lineup: Ospina; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios, Rodriguez; Arias, Cordoba, Diaz.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan are at their first ever World Cup and will be determined to make a mark on this stage under Fabio Cannavaro. Eldor Shomurodov is their captain and main goal-scoring threat, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev provides the creativity from midfield. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov anchors the back line, though injury problems limited his minutes this season and there are some questions over his sharpness. My read on this is that they will compete hard but find Colombia a level above what they have faced so far.

Predicted Lineup: Yusupov; Khusanov, Ashurmatov, Nasrullaev, Alijonov; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Masharipov, Shomurodov, Urunov.

Colombia have far more quality across the pitch and should have too much for a Uzbekistan side stepping onto this stage for the first time. I expect a controlled Colombia win with a clean sheet. My forecast: Colombia 2 Uzbekistan 0.

BTTS: No (1.62)

Uzbekistan are stepping up in class and face a Colombia defence built around Ospina, Sanchez and Lucumi that should keep them quiet. With Colombia likely to dominate possession, I see Uzbekistan struggling to find a goal on debut at this level. BTTS: No at 1.62 is my best bet.