Venezuela - Colombia
When: 01:30
Where: South America 2026 World Cup Qualification
Venezuela
Venezuela currently occupies seventh place in the South American World Cup qualification with four wins, six draws, and seven losses from 17 matches. The recent results have been inconsistent, most recently losing 0-3 to Argentina in Buenos Aires, highlighting the gap to the leaders. Nevertheless, they are only one point ahead of Bolivia and thus have a chance for the intercontinental playoffs. Key players are striker Salomón Rondón, who aims to extend his goal record for the national team, as well as midfielders Jorge Arrieta and Yeferson Soteldo, who hope for a starting spot after their appearances in the last game. A possible lineup is: Romo; Arámburu, Navarro, Ángel, Ferraresi; Cáceres, Arrieta, Bello; Savarino, Soteldo, Rondón.
Colombia
Colombia has already secured qualification for the World Cup after recently beating Bolivia 3-0 at home. James Rodríguez scored the opening goal in the first half, while John Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero scored in the second half. However, the team has shown less consistency away from home, winning only one of eight qualification matches. Notable are Luis Díaz with five goals in the last ten games and the returning Daniel Muñoz and Kevin Castaño after suspensions. The likely lineup for this game: Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Lerma, Castaño; Arias, Rodríguez, Díaz; Córdoba.
Injuries
Venezuela's José Martínez, who has missed three games for Corinthians, is questionable. Colombia must do without Cucho Hernández and John Durán, which likely secures John Córdoba a spot in the offense.
Head-to-head
Colombia dominates the direct encounters against Venezuela with five wins and three draws in the last eight matches. The last meeting ended in 2023 with a narrow 1-0 away win for Colombia. Venezuela has only recently beaten Colombia during the 2015 Copa América group stage, putting additional pressure on the hosts.
Match Prediction
The upcoming match promises to be a balanced encounter. Colombia is motivated despite their secured World Cup qualification but has no outstanding away results, which might limit their attacking fervor. Venezuela wants to hold their own on home turf, relying on Rondón’s experience and Soteldo’s dynamism. A high-scoring, close game with chances on both sides is expected, possibly ending in a draw or a narrow win for the hosts. Due to the home advantage and the pressure they need to secure a playoff spot, we recommend the bet Double Chance Venezuela with odds of 1.35.
My Tip: Double Chance Venezuela (1.35)
Tip