Colombia
- Colombia have won their last two matches, defeating Costa Rica and Jordan 3-1 and 2-0 respectively.
- Colombia have conceded just three goals in their last three away games (W2, D1).
- Colombia are a very versatile 4-2-3-1 side, with Néstor Lorenzo favoring possession football, but his team can change up the pace with bursts of pressing and wing play that can break down the most compact defenses.
Uzbekistan
- Uzbekistan have lost their last two games, losing 2-1 to the Netherlands and 2-0 to Canada, both away from home.
- Uzbekistan earned their spot in the FIFA World Cup, Group K in 2026 with a battling effort against Venezuela, but the Central Asians were unable to make the breakthrough.
- The 0-0 draw in the 90 minutes was enough to send Uzbekistan into penalties, where they defeated La Vinotinto to reach a first ever senior World Cup.
- Fabio Cannavaro sticks to a 3-4-3 setup, but this team is built around a deep, compact and organised low block that turns the game on its head when they win possession.
- Abdukodir Khusanov is the leader of their backline and does a fine job of organizing Uzbekistan's compact three-man backline and dictating their compact style of play.
- Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan's main outlet up top and is a constant threat during transitions, able to hit the ground running and make chances for his teammates.
Colombia
- James Rodríguez is Colombia's controller and tempo setter, able to turn on a dime and produce the best chance in a possession game, or whip a cross-field pass to create a goal in the opposite area.
- Jhon Arias is the in-form attacker for Colombia, scoring three of their ten goals in the last five matches, and he is the main attacking threat for a Colombia side that has won seven of their last ten matches (D1, L2).
Uzbekistan
- Jaloliddin Masharipov provides width and directness for Uzbekistan in the wide areas, often sparking attacks from the left and whipping in deliveries to a target man or over the top.
- Abdukodir Khusanov is the leader of their backline and does a fine job of organizing Uzbekistan's compact three-man backline and dictating their compact style of play.
- Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan's main outlet up top and is a constant threat during transitions, able to hit the ground running and make chances for his teammates.
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers make Colombia heavy favorites in this game, with odds of 1.44, while Uzbekistan are underdogs at 8.5 and the draw is 4.6.
- Mexico City altitude could affect both of these sides.
- Under 2.5 goals looks a solid wager here at 1.88 given Uzbekistan's style of play.
Prediction
Under 2.5 goals looks a solid wager here at 1.88 given Uzbekistan's style of play, and I expect Colombia to nick the win.
