2026 World Cup: A Night to Forget for Fabio Cannavaro

Colombia made a convincing debut in Group K of the 2026 World Cup. The “Cafeteros” set the pace right from the start, controlling possession and looking for openings against Uzbekistan’s organized defense. The goal came in the 40th minute, when Daniel Muñoz finished off a team effort to make it 1-0, putting the South Americans ahead at halftime.

In the second half, Uzbekistan fought back and, in the 60th minute, scored a historic equalizer through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who netted the Asian nation’s first goal in a World Cup final tournament. However, the enthusiasm of Cannavaro’s team was short-lived: just four minutes later, Luis Díaz, Colombia’s driving force, produced a moment of pure brilliance to put his team back in front, 2-1. In the closing minutes, the Uzbeks tried to pour forward but failed to create any real danger. Deep into stoppage time, in the 98th minute, Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory with a goal to make it 3-1.

Meanwhile, just when the match between Ghana and Panama seemed destined to end scoreless, stoppage time delivered the decisive twist. In the 95th minute, Brandon Thomas-Asante delivered a perfect assist to Caleb Yirenkyi, who beat the opposing goalkeeper from close range to make it 1-0.

A crucial victory for Ghana, which now has three points and ties with England at the top of Group L following England’s 4-2 win over Croatia. The next matchday, scheduled for June 23, will pit Ghana against England in a head-to-head clash that could decide the group’s top spot. Meanwhile, Panama and Croatia will be fighting for a crucial part of their own hopes of advancing.