CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier: La Albiceleste to face Venezuela in the next World Cup qualifier match. Argentina being the world and South American champions, has won six out of eight matches in the qualification round. They are going into this match with high energy and morale especially after being humbled by the Colombian side in their last game.
Venezuela has had a relatively good form in the qualification for the tournament placing sixth with 10 points, equal to Brazil. La Vinotinto are on the historical search for a World Cup debut and they are at the right place and time to make it happen. With six of the eight matches they have played going unlost, they are new chips on the block trying to make a statement in this tournament.
Kick Off
Date: Friday, 11 October
Time: 2:30 AM IST
Venue: Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Venezuela
Form
Venezuela (in all competitions): D-L-D-W-W
Argentina (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W
Players to Watch
Salomon Rondon (Venezuela)
The 32-year-old forward has been a stalwart of the Venezuelan team and has always brought his best foot forward during the matches. Venezuela’s record scorer eligible to sign for English teams with 44 goals in 108 games, has scored twice during the qualification stage. Rondon should be relied on to give important chances for his side and he ought to be an attacker.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
After being out of the national team setup since his injury in the Copa America final in July, Messi has something to prove. After being instrumental in Inter Miami clinching the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the player arrives in this match in top form. Thus, having scored three goals in the qualifiers, a record holder of the Ballon d’Or award as the eight-time winner, the player will be surely eager to show the best results on his return to the team.
Match Facts
- The Barcelona star has assisted in the scoring of 11 goals for La Albiceleste against Venezuela.
- They said that Argentina has not lost to Venezuela since 2019.
- The biggest difference in the games that Argentina trounced Venezuela was 10-0 in the year 1975.
Betting Tips and Odds
- Tip 1: Argentina to win – 1/2 (SkyBet)
- Tip 2: Argentina to win with a clean sheet – 11/8 (Betfair)
- Tip 3: Argentina to win by 2 goals – 7/2 (Bet365)
Injury & Team News
Venezuela is expected to field a fully fit squad.
Argentina will be without Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Garnacho due to injuries, while Cristian Romero and Emiliano Martinez are suspended.
Head-to-Head
- Total Matches Played: 28
- Venezuela Wins: 2
- Argentina Wins: 24
- Draws: 2
Predicted Line-up
Venezuela (4-1-4-1)
- Romo (GK)
- Armaburu, Osorio, Ferraresi, Navarro
- Casseres
- Bello, Martinez, Segovia, Seteldo
- Rondon
Argentina (4-4-2)
- Rulli (GK)
- Montiel, Otamendi, Martinez, Acuna
- De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Gonzalez
- Alvarez, Messi
Prediction for Venezuela vs Argentina
While Venezuela has shown resilience so far, this match poses their toughest challenge yet. Argentina is expected to regain their form and secure an away victory.
Prediction: Venezuela 0-2 Argentina
Telecast Information
- UK: Fanatiz
- USA: Fanatiz
- India: Fancode
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