The Venezuela nationwide staff stands getting ready to historical past, with a novel probability to safe its first-ever World Cup berth through the remaining two CONMEBOL 2026 qualifiers on Thursday and Tuesday. Dealing with two giants, Argentina and Colombia, La Vinotinto will want favorable outcomes to maintain their dream alive.
Led by Argentine coach Fernando Batista, Venezuela sits seventh within the CONMEBOL standings with 18 factors from 16 matches. Because of the expanded 2026 World Cup, which is able to characteristic 48 groups, La Vinotinto is at present within the playoff spot, however they nonetheless have a path to clinch a direct ticket to the match within the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The highway gained’t be simple. Venezuela visits already-qualified Argentina, who prime the group, earlier than closing at house in opposition to Colombia. Los Cafeteros sit sixth with 22 factors — the ultimate direct qualification spot — 4 forward of Venezuela. In the meantime, Bolivia lurks in eighth only one level behind, making the ultimate window decisive for Batista’s squad.
What does Venezuela must qualify instantly?
Venezuela should depend on each their very own outcomes and a few assist elsewhere. To have a shot at overtaking Colombia, La Vinotinto should first defeat Argentina on Thursday, then hope Colombia drops factors at house in opposition to Bolivia — a tall order.
Salomon Rondon of Venezuela celebrates after scoring the staff’s first purpose through the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Venezuela and Argentina.
A win over Argentina would elevate Venezuela to 21 factors, whereas Colombia would stay on 22 or 23 relying on their outcome. That will arrange a dramatic showdown in Maturín on September 9, the place Venezuela might leapfrog Colombia with a head-to-head win for the ultimate computerized spot.
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Something lower than six factors seemingly gained’t be sufficient. With their margin so skinny, Venezuela wants back-to-back wins in opposition to Argentina in Buenos Aires and Colombia at house, mixed with Colombia failing to win, to maneuver out of the playoff zone and into direct qualification.
There’s additionally a slim exterior probability. If Venezuela draw in opposition to Argentina and Colombia lose to Bolivia, La Vinotinto would transfer to 19 factors whereas Colombia keep on 22, organising a decisive showdown within the remaining matchday. Nevertheless, with Colombia holding a +4 purpose distinction in comparison with Venezuela’s -4, Los Cafeteros would wish to undergo two heavy defeats for this unlikely situation to grow to be actuality.
What occurs if Venezuela loses to Argentina?
A loss in Buenos Aires would successfully finish hopes of direct qualification. Sitting 4 factors again with solely three obtainable, La Vinotinto could be mathematically eradicated from the highest six. Worse, their playoff spot is also in peril relying on different outcomes.
What does Venezuela must safe the playoffs?
Venezuela faces two direct threats to its playoff hopes: Bolivia and Peru. Bolivia sit only one level behind with 17, making them the most important menace, whereas Peru path with 12 factors, six off the tempo. One level from their remaining two video games could be sufficient to knock Peru out of competition, however Bolivia is one other matter. They go to Colombia first earlier than internet hosting Brazil at altitude in La Paz, the place they usually maintain a bonus.
Venezuela gamers acknowledge the followers after the staff’s victory within the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Venezuela and Bolivia at Estadio Monumental de Maturin on June 06, 2025 in Maturin, Venezuela.
For Venezuela, the mission is easy: keep their one-point cushion in any respect prices. If La Vinotinto drop factors in each matches and Bolivia wins out, Batista’s squad can be eradicated. Even a factors tie would see Venezuela advance, given Bolivia’s far worse purpose distinction of -16.
