Jhon Córdoba extends Colombia’s lead

Rondón pulls one back!

Luis Javier Suárez is unstoppable!

Hat-trick by Luis Javier Suárez

Colombia comes from behind!

Colombia ties it!

Venezuela doesn’t give up!

And Yerry Mina levels it!

Venezuela surprises!

Confirmed lineups in Maturín

The Venezuela national team faces an all-or-nothing clash on the final matchday of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This Tuesday, at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín, La Vinotinto will host Colombia in a match that will decide whether they secure the coveted spot in the intercontinental playoff.

The side led by Fernando Batista comes in with 18 points, sitting in seventh place, which grants access to the playoff. Their fate depends not only on their performance against Colombia, already qualified directly for the World Cup, but also on what happens in El Alto, where Bolivia (17 points) will face Brazil with the advantage of high altitude.

A final for La Vinotinto

“It’s a final,” admitted coach Fernando Batista days ago, aware that Venezuela has in its hands the chance to make history and move closer to a first-ever World Cup appearance. The manager urged his players to move on from the tough 3-0 defeat against Argentina, in which Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez shone, and to focus on a match that could mark a turning point in Venezuelan football.

The combinations are clear: a win guarantees the playoff spot for La Vinotinto, while a draw could be enough if Bolivia slips against the Brazilians. Still, the challenge is enormous: Colombia won’t give anything away despite already securing its direct ticket to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A tough head-to-head record for Venezuela

The stats are not on Venezuela’s side. In 19 qualifying encounters, Colombia has won 10, with Venezuela taking just 3 victories and 6 draws. The most recent meeting also went the Cafeteros’ way: on September 7, 2023, in Barranquilla, the Tricolor won 1-0.

Néstor Lorenzo’s Colombia arrives with no pressure, but with the goal of finishing qualifying on a high note and preserving the unbeaten run they’ve held through most of the campaign. With stars like Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Rafael Santos Borré, the Cafeteros promise to fight, though all eyes will be on Venezuela’s desperate push to cling to a playoff berth.

The Venezuela vs Colombia match shapes up as one of the most thrilling fixtures of the final round in South America. For La Vinotinto, it’s a true final that could bring them closer to the dream they’ve been denied for decades: playing in a World Cup.