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Count Luis Díaz as one of the best players who has already delivered for his team this summer.
In the final opening game of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, Colombia’s star winger did exactly what fans expect of him, scoring a clear second-half goal against Uzbekistan to help lead his side to a 3-1 victory.
Díaz came to the World Cup already a star – he was No. 23 on FOX Sports’ top 100 players – especially after such successful seasons with Liverpool and now Bayern Munich. I expected him to start the tournament full of confidence and now you just see him on fire.
At the last second, I switched my pre-tournament Golden Boot pick to Díaz from Kylian Mbappé, which felt cool. But I went with my instincts and the Colombian star is still my pick after each team’s Matchday 1.
He just brings so much flair and danger while attacking, but with his versatility he will also put a defensive shift. He is simply well-rounded and cannot be overlooked.
He’s one of the most dangerous players in this World Cup and I actually think Uzbekistan didn’t do a good job of limiting him. And he took full advantage of it.
One shot hit the post. But when he scored that goal against Uzbekistan in the 65th minute, he hit it, deflected the keeper and managed to go in.
The difference between the decisive moment and a forgettable miss was a matter of centimeters. But those inches and those opportunities are where Díaz excels.
He toes the line while managing and maximizing those moments, and his positional awareness — both on and off the ball — helps him succeed.
Real scoring opportunities are rare at the World Cup, but he has an eye for a goal like no other. He is capable of scoring in so many different ways, and that talent, combined with his speed and his technical execution, could be the backbone of this Colombian side trying to advance out of Group K.
I’m still worried about Colombia’s defensive abilities. But at least Los Cafeteros have one of the best goalscoring threats on their side.
The way Díaz can fly upfield but instantly change direction — I can’t imagine being a defender in that position because he’ll definitely catch you off guard.
He has been incredibly clinical at club level and now we see that carry over to the World Cup. He clearly has a powerful shot, his accuracy is key and he is always able to pull off a chilena or a bicycle kick.
Díaz tries to isolate himself as much as possible and if you let him, if you give him space, he will crush a defender down the line. And as he has shown time and time again, he will step up big when his team needs him.
When Díaz is on the field, expect the unexpected. And don’t take your eyes off him.
