Uzbekistan Loses to the Netherlands Ahead Debut Colombia
Uzbekistan lost 1-2 to the Netherlands at Icahn Stadium in New York before their World Cup debut against Colombia. In their final warm-up match before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Forward Cody Gakpo scored both goals for the European side from the penalty spot, the first in the 31st minute and the second in the 98th. The Asian team had briefly equalized in the 91st minute through Igor Sergeev, taking advantage of the numerical superiority created after the Dutch midfielder Guus Til was sent off in the 86th minute. The match was played under the supervision of local authorities and concluded without any reported incidents in the stands.
The game in Manhattan showed difficulties for Ronald Koeman’s team in moving the ball against Uzbekistan’s defensive setup. During the first half, the Netherlands controlled possession in the central area of the field through their midfielders, but failed to create openings down the wings.
A foul by defender Abdukodir Khusanov on Memphis Depay inside the penalty area resulted in the first penalty of the match. Gakpo converted the penalty in the 31st minute, firing a shot past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov into the left corner to open the scoring before halftime.
Uzbekistan lost 1-2 to the Netherlands before their World Cup debut
In the second half, the Netherlands’ coaching staff had to make changes due to medical issues. Starting goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen left the field in the 53rd minute after falling in the penalty area and was replaced by Mark Flekken. This situation added to the absence of defender Jurriën Timber, who was left out of the official World Cup squad due to a groin injury that forced the coaching staff to replace him. The coaching staff included Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida in his place on the final 26-man roster.
Uzbekistan maintained a disciplined defensive line and used quick transitions to exploit the spaces in the Dutch midfield. Coach Fabio’s tactical approach limited the Europeans’ attacking options during the second half.
After Guus Til received a straight red card for a foul in midfield, the Asian team pushed forward. In the 91st minute, Igor Sergeev scored the equalizer with a low, driven shot across goal that beat Flekken, following a lapse in Stefan de Vrij’s marking.
Definition and logistical transfers
The deadlock was broken in the final minute of stoppage time. A foul by the Uzbek defense on Memphis Depay in the penalty area resulted in a second penalty kick for Koeman’s team. In the 98th minute, Gakpo converted the penalty with a shot down the middle of the goal to make it 2-1.
Following this match, the Netherlands delegation will travel to Arlington, Texas, where they will begin their participation in the tournament next Sunday, June 14, against Japan.
Meanwhile, the Uzbek delegation will travel to Mexico City to set up their base camp and play their first group stage match. The Asian team’s debut in the competition will take place on Wednesday, June 17, at Estadio Azteca against Colombia, who defeated Jordan 2-0 on Sunday, June 7, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.