A packed crowd is expected at the Estadio Monumental in Maturin on Thursday, as Venezuela hosts world champions Argentina in a crucial CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying encounter.
Venezuela is eyeing a historic opportunity to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, while Argentina could all but secure their spot at the 2026 finals as we approach the halfway mark of the qualifiers.
Match Preview
Argentina players celebrate a goal on September 5, 2024
Argentina, the reigning world champions and back-to-back Copa America winners, enter this international break knowing that two victories this week will virtually guarantee their place at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s side sits atop the CONMEBOL qualifying standings after eight games, with 18 points to their name. Based on past qualification campaigns, reaching the mid-20s in points should be enough to secure a place at the finals.
Though nothing can be confirmed just yet, Argentina already looks set to qualify, given their dominant position approaching the midway point of the qualifiers. Despite a recent setback, losing to Colombia in their last match—a second defeat in four qualifiers—the Albiceleste remain comfortably inside the automatic qualification spots, holding a nine-point cushion.
As the most formidable team in South America, Argentina’s defensive strength is evident, conceding just seven goals in their last 19 qualifiers. Their upcoming fixtures against Venezuela and Bolivia, traditionally viewed as two of the weaker sides in CONMEBOL, present an opportunity to strengthen their position, though both opponents have shown signs of improvement in this campaign.
Historically, Argentina has dominated Venezuela, going unbeaten in their last seven competitive meetings and losing just twice in 28 head-to-head encounters.
Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon celebrates a goal on July 5, 2024
For Venezuela, this match represents one of the toughest challenges in international football. However, should they manage to take points from the world champions, it would boost their chances of achieving a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.
After eight matches, Fernando Batista’s side finds themselves in a promising position, level on 10 points with Brazil, and currently occupying the final automatic qualifying spot. To stay in that position, however, Venezuela will likely need at least a draw against Argentina, with both Paraguay and Bolivia hot on their heels.
Venezuela’s September fixtures delivered mixed results. They suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bolivia in the punishing altitude of La Paz, but bounced back with a resolute 0-0 draw against Uruguay just days later. Improving their attacking output will be essential if they hope to continue their challenge, as La Vinotinto have scored just once in their last four qualifiers.
Prediction
Argentina, despite their recent defeat, remain overwhelming favorites given their squad quality and track record. However, Venezuela will be motivated to pull off a shock and stay in the hunt for a historic World Cup qualification.
Prediction: Venezuela 0-2 Argentina
