Venezuela host neighbours Colombia in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier (WCQ), with their dream of reaching a first-ever finals still very much alive.
Match News and Current Form
Venezuela sit in seventh spot in the CONMEBOL WCQ group, leading Bolivia by a single point in a two-way tussle for the inter-confederation play-offs spot, which takes place in March. Fernando Batista’s side are in the driving seat, knowing that a win guarantees their place in that play-off. Their optimism has been tempered following consecutive WCQ defeats without scoring against Uruguay and Argentina, but being in this position is remarkable in itself, considering that Venezuela are the only CONMEBOL nation to have never reached a World Cup.
Colombia secured one of the six automatic qualification places for next year’s finals with a game to spare following a 3-0 win over Bolivia last time out, helping to erase the disappointment of failing to reach the previous edition. That result ended a run of six matches without a win for Néstor Lorenzo’s side (D3, L3), and the 59-year-old can now look forward to being the main man in the dugout at a World Cup after serving as José Pékerman's assistant at the 2014 and 2018 finals.
Head-to-Head History
Colombia are unbeaten in the last nine H2Hs (W6, D3), last tasting defeat in 2015. Venezuela have failed to score in the last six meetings.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Venezuela have only scored multiple goals in two of their last 13 games.
Venezuela are unbeaten in their last eight WCQ home games (W4, D4)
Colombia are winless in their last five away games (D2, L3).
Four of Colombia's last five WCQ away games saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo was a busy man against Argentina, making six saves despite falling to a 3-0 defeat. James Rodríguez netted the opener against Bolivia, and Colombia are unbeaten in his last seven goalscoring appearances (W5, D2).
Venezuela’s Yangel Herrera and José Martínez missed the defeat to Argentina through injury, while Colombia will have Daniel Muñoz and Kevin Castaño available for selection again after both served suspensions against Bolivia.
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Betting Analysis
Venezuela are notoriously hard to beat at home, but with their recent struggles against Colombia, backing a draw may be a good option.
Author: James Hilsum