Colombia vs. Uzbekistan: World Cup 2026 Group K Opener at Estadio Azteca
Colombia vs. Uzbekistan kicks off Group K at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) on June 17, 2026 — Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup. Match preview, getting there, altitude notes, and the eSIM for match day.
Published June 10, 2026·5 min read
Summary
Colombia vs. Uzbekistan opens Group K at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 17, 2026 — the first World Cup finals match in Uzbekistan's history, played at altitude in the only stadium to host three different World Cups. Here's the preview, how to get there, the altitude factor, and the one eSIM that keeps you online from kickoff to the final whistle.
The match: Colombia vs. Uzbekistan, June 17 at Estadio Azteca
According to the official Group K schedule, Colombia open against Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca — the storied Mexico City venue that staged the 1970 and 1986 finals and the 2026 opening match, making it the only ground to host three World Cups. Colombia, led by James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, arrive among the group favourites. Uzbekistan qualified for a World Cup for the first time ever, a milestone for Central Asian football. See both squads in our Colombia fan guide and Uzbekistan fan guide.
The other Group K opener — Portugal vs. DR Congo at NRG Stadium— plays the same day in Houston, so the group's shape will be clear within hours. For the full group picture, including how Group K crosses between the USA and Mexico, see our Group K preview.
Match-day facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Wed, June 17, 2026 |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (~83,000) |
| Altitude | ~2,200 m (7,200 ft) |
| Nearest airport | Mexico City (MEX), ~13 mi |
Getting to Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca is in southern Mexico City. The light-rail (tren ligero) runs to the Estadio Azteca stop, reachable via Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña and a transfer; full routes are in our Mexico City getting-there guide. The venue sits at roughly 2,200 m (7,200 ft), so even spectators feel the thinner air — arrive early, hydrate, and pace the climb to the upper tiers. Our eat & stay guide covers where to base yourself, and the rest of the slate is in the Mexico City match schedule.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for World Cup travel
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
Mobile tickets in the FIFA World Cup 26™ app, tren-ligero times, and rideshare back to your hotel all run on data, and stadium Wi-Fi buckles under 80,000-plus people. A Mexico or North America eSIM puts you on Telcel or AT&T the moment you land at Mexico City (MEX) and follows you across the border to the US and Canada without swapping plans — handy when Group K's own fixtures jump between Mexico and the USA. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card — see the Mexico City connectivity guide for the full rundown.
FAQ
QWhen and where is Colombia vs. Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup?
AColombia vs. Uzbekistan kicks off June 17, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It's a Group K opening match and Uzbekistan's first match at a World Cup finals.
QWhat group are Colombia and Uzbekistan in for World Cup 2026?
ABoth are in Group K alongside Portugal and DR Congo. Colombia vs. Uzbekistan (Mexico City) and Portugal vs. DR Congo (Houston) are the two opening Group K fixtures, both played on June 17, 2026.
QHow do I get to Estadio Azteca for the match?
AEstadio Azteca is in southern Mexico City and is served by the Tasqueña light-rail line (Estadio Azteca stop) and Metro Line 2 plus a transfer. Note the venue sits at about 2,200 m (7,200 ft) altitude, so arrive early and hydrate.
QWhat's the best way to stay connected on match day?
AA local Mexico or North America eSIM rides Telcel/AT&T networks, while international roaming often slows to a crawl when 80,000 fans are online at once. Install it before you fly and it works across every host city in all three countries.
Bottom line
Colombia vs. Uzbekistan pairs a South American contender with a debutant nation, inside the most storied stadium in World Cup history. Sort your route to Estadio Azteca, scan the rest of Group K, and grab a World Cup 2026 eSIMso every ticket scan, map, and rideshare just works — on both sides of the border.