The South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are coming into their last stretch, and the drama is much from over. Whereas six groups have already secured direct tickets to the match in the US, Mexico, and Canada, the battle for the playoff spot (Repechaje) stays broad open. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Venezuela will face Colombia in Maturín in what could possibly be a historic night time for La Vinotinto.
For Venezuela, this match is nothing in need of monumental. Sitting seventh within the standings with 18 factors, La Vinotinto at present occupies the playoff spot however should win to safe their place with out counting on different outcomes. A victory would guarantee their ticket to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico, the place 5 different nations will compete for a berth within the World Cup.
Even when they fail to win, Venezuela might nonetheless qualify if Bolivia fails to beat Brazil in La Paz on the identical night time. Nonetheless, coach Fernando Batista and his gamers know that controlling their very own future is the most secure path—and the house crowd in Maturín will probably be absolutely behind them.
Colombia already certified
In contrast to Venezuela, Colombia arrives with out strain. The Cafeteros, managed by Argentine coach Néstor Lorenzo, have already punched their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Their most up-to-date match, a convincing 3-0 win over Bolivia, sealed their qualification and boosted morale heading into the ultimate spherical.
Venezuela would qualify for a playoff for the primary time, and this time it will likely be performed very in a different way from earlier ones.
Nonetheless, Colombia will probably be motivated to complete the marketing campaign robust and keep momentum heading into preparations for subsequent summer time’s match. With stars like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez main the way in which, Colombia stays one among South America’s most harmful sides.
see additionally
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying high scorers: South America’s purpose leaders
Kickoff time and venue
The match between Venezuela and Colombia will happen on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on the Estadio Monumental de Maturín, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM ET.
Possible lineups
Venezuela:
Rafael Romo; Jon Aramburu, Nahuel Ferraresi, Wilker Ángel, Christian Makoun, Miguel Navarro; Tomás Rincón, Cristian Cásseres; Eduardo Bello, Jefferson Savarino, Salomón Rondón.
Colombia:
Camilo Vargas; Daniel Muñoz, Dávinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Jhon Arias; James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Luis Javier Suárez.
This matchup represents a do-or-die second for Venezuela, a nation nonetheless chasing its dream of showing in a World Cup for the primary time. Colombia might already be certified, however their presence ensures this will probably be no straightforward job for La Vinotinto. With all the pieces on the road, Tuesday night time in Maturín could possibly be remembered because the defining second in Venezuela’s soccer historical past.
