Uzbekistan vs Colombia Predictions & Betting Tips - Luis Suarez to Fire Colombia to Victory at the 2026 World Cup
Colombia is set to face Uzbekistan in their Group L opener at the 2026 World Cup. Uzbekistan, making their debut at this stage, may find it tough against a strong Colombian side led by prolific striker Luis Suarez. With star players like James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz in form, Colombia is favored to secure a win, with Suarez tipped to score. Expert analysis suggests a Colombian victory, potentially with a clean sheet, as Uzbekistan's top-level experience remains limited. Watch the match live and check out the latest odds and tips.
- Luis Suarez scored 38 goals for Sporting CP last season
- The Colombian striker should get plenty of chances up front
- I am backing Suarez to score in a victory over Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan are making their debut at the World Cup and could find it tough against the top teams. Colombia have a far stronger squad, Luis Suarez to replicate his club form and fire the South American side to victory.
HTH - First Meeting
Uzbekistan and Colombia are meeting for the first time.
Uzbekistan Form - World Cup Debutants
Uzbekistan are competing in the first World Cup, losing only one of their qualifiers in the third round. Keeping it tight was their style, scoring 14 goals with seven conceded.
Fabio Cannavaro’s side won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup in September, beating Iran 1-0 in extra time in the final.
The White Wolves hosted two friendlies in March, a 3-1 victory over Gabon followed by a 0-0 draw against Venezuela. Two more matches were played this month, a 2-0 defeat to Canada and 2-1 loss against Netherlands.
Uzbekistan Team News, Squad & Predicted Line Up
Captain Eldor Shomurodov leads the way up front with 44 goals in 92 internationals. He is one of five players with more than 50 caps.
Centrre-back Husniddin Aliqulov missed out due to a cruciate ligament injury. Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov has plenty of responsibility for the debutants.
| Pos | Player | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Utkir Yusupov | 35 | Navbahor Namangan |
| GK | Abduvohid Nematov | 25 | Nasaf |
| GK | Botirali Ergashev | 30 | Neftchi Fergana |
| DF | Abdukodir Khusanov | 22 | Manchester City |
| DF | Khojiakbar Alijonov | 29 | Pakhtakor |
| DF | Farrukh Sayfiev | 35 | Neftchi Fergana |
| DF | Rustam Ashurmatov | 29 | Esteghlal |
| DF | Sherzod Nasrullaev | 27 | Pakhtakor |
| DF | Umar Eshmurodov | 33 | Nasaf |
| DF | Abdulla Abdullaev | 28 | Dibba |
| DF | Bekhruz Karimov | 18 | Surkhon Termiz |
| DF | Avazbek Ulmasaliev | 26 | AGMK |
| DF | Jakhongir Urozov | 22 | Dinamo Samarqand |
| MF | Akmal Mozgovoy | 27 | Pakhtakor |
| MF | Otabek Shukurov | 29 | Baniyas |
| MF | Jamshid Iskanderov | 32 | Neftchi Fergana |
| MF | Odiljon Hamrobekov | 30 | Tractor |
| MF | Jaloliddin Masharipov | 32 | Esteghlal |
| MF | Oston Urunov | 25 | Persepolis |
| MF | Dostonbek Khamdamov | 29 | Pakhtakor |
| MF | Azizjon Ganiev | 28 | Al Bataeh |
| MF | Abbosbek Fayzullaev | 22 | Istanbul Basaksehir |
| MF | Sherzod Esanov | 23 | Bukhara |
| FW | Eldor Shomurodov | 30 | Istanbul Basaksehir |
| FW | Azizbek Amonov | 28 | Dinamo Samarqand |
| FW | Igor Sergeev | 33 | Persepolis |
Uzbekistan (3-4-3): Utkir Yusupov; Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov; Khojiakbar Alijonov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov, Jaloliddin Masharipov
Colombia Form - Goals in Plentiful Supply
Colombia claimed third spot in the South American qualifiers, registering home wins against Brazil and Argentina. They scored 28 goals, Luis Diaz leading the way with seven and Luis Suarez netting four times.
The Tricolour took on some top opposition in March, losing 2-1 to Croatia and 3-1 against France.
Nestor Lorenzo's side performed better against easier teams in June, defeating Costa Rica 3-1 in Bogota where Diaz and Suarez found the net. Jhon Arias scored twice in a 2-0 win against Jordan in the final friendly.
Colombia Team News, Squad & Predicted Line Up
James Rodriguez played in the previous two friendlies, registering assists in both games. The 2014 Golden Boot winner has scored 31 goals in 126 internationals.
Luis Suarez should start up front ahead of Cucho Hernandez and Jhon Cordoba.
| Pos | Player | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | David Ospina | 37 | Atletico Nacional |
| GK | Camilo Vargas | 37 | Atlas |
| GK | Alvaro Montero | 31 | Velez Sarsfield |
| DF | Daniel Munoz | 30 | Crystal Palace |
| DF | Jhon Lucumi | 27 | Bologna |
| DF | Santiago Arias | 34 | Independiente |
| DF | Yerry Mina | 31 | Cagliari |
| DF | Johan Mojica | 33 | Mallorca |
| DF | Willer Ditta | 29 | Cruz Azul |
| DF | Deiver Machado | 32 | Nantes |
| DF | Davinson Sanchez | 30 | Galatasaray |
| MF | Kevin Castano | 25 | River Plate |
| MF | Richard Rios | 26 | Benfica |
| MF | Jorge Carrascal | 28 | Flamengo |
| MF | James Rodriguez | 34 | Minnesota United |
| MF | Jhon Arias | 28 | Palmeiras |
| MF | Gustavo Puerta | 22 | Racing Santander |
| MF | Juan Portilla | 27 | Athletico Paranaense |
| MF | Jefferson Lerma | 31 | Crystal Palace |
| MF | Juan Quintero | 33 | River Plate |
| MF | Jaminton Campaz | 26 | Rosario Central |
| FW | Luis Diaz | 29 | Bayern Munich |
| FW | Jhon Cordoba | 33 | Krasnodar |
| FW | Cucho Hernandez | 27 | Betis |
| FW | Luis Suarez | 28 | Sporting CP |
| FW | Andres Gomez | 23 | Vasco da Gama |
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica; Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez; Luis Diaz; Luis Suarez
Verdict
Uzbekistan could struggle against the big guns in Group K, their squad featuring one player who competes at the top level. Colombia should be too good in Houston where I am backing Luis Suarez to score first.
Colombia
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Colombia -1
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Luis Suarez
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Luis Suarez
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