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

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when published.

Uzbekistan are Colombia's first Group K opponents, with the match set for Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 04:00 CAT on Thursday, June 18. Colombia come in as one of the sides expected to go through, whereas Uzbekistan are playing at a World Cup for the very first time and will hope to cause an upset against a stronger rival. All our World Cup betting tips are waiting in our dedicated section.

Colombia

Colombia head into the opener scoring freely and appear the best equipped of the chasing group to challenge Portugal, the Group K favourites. James Rodriguez wears the armband and has shaken off a small knock picked up in training, while Luis Diaz adds real star power on the flank. Nestor Lorenzo has a well balanced, seasoned squad and no serious injury worries before this game. I believe their movement and class in the final third will be the difference against a team experiencing the World Cup for the first time.

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

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan are playing their first ever World Cup and will be keen to leave an impression under Fabio Cannavaro. Skipper Eldor Shomurodov is their chief goal threat, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev supplying the ideas in midfield. Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov leads the defence, although injuries restricted his game time this season and his sharpness is in some doubt. As I see it, they will fight hard but discover Colombia are a step up from anything they have met so far.

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

Colombia boast much more quality all over the park and should prove too strong for an Uzbekistan team playing on this stage for the first time. I see a comfortable Colombia victory without conceding. My Colombia vs Uzbekistan call: Colombia 2 Uzbekistan 0.

BTTS: No (1.62)

Uzbekistan face a big jump in level against a Colombian back line built on Ospina, Sanchez and Lucumi, which should keep them under wraps. With Colombia expected to see most of the ball, I think Uzbekistan will find scoring very hard in their debut at this level. My best bet is BTTS: No at 1.62.