Venezuela eye crucial win over Colombia to secure play-off spot | OneFootball

Venezuela hosts Colombia with the challenge of winning to secure a spot in the Playoff that gives them a chance to play in the World Cup

Venezuela and Colombia will play from 8:30 PM at the Municipal Stadium of Maturín, for the South American Qualifiers on the road to the 2026 World Cup, in a new edition of the Border Classic.

After the defeat against Argentina, La Vinotinto needs to win to qualify for the playoff without depending on what happens between Bolivia and Brazil. On the other hand, the team led by Néstor Lorenzo is already qualified after securing their first victory of the year against the Altiplanos.

How Venezuela and Colombia arrive at the Qualifiers clash

Venezuela is the only South American team that has never played in the World Cup, but with Fernando Batista on the bench, they are hopeful that this streak could come to an end. They still have a chance to play in the World Cup playoff, which has a new format and will take place in March 2026. Venezuela only needs to win to access the playoff, regardless of the result between Bolivia and Brazil.

For their part, Colombia had been experiencing a marked decline in their play after losing the 2024 Copa América final against La Albiceleste, going from a 28-match unbeaten run to just two wins in ten matches since then. However, they thrashed Bolivia 3-0 in Barranquilla in the last round and, in addition to securing their ticket to the World Cup, are hopeful of regaining their former level, with the added incentive of having the chance to eliminate their historic rival in a new edition of the Border Classic.

Probable lineups

Venezuela: Rafael Romo; Jon Aramburu, Nahuel Ferraresi, Wilker Ángel, Christian Makoun, Miguel Navarro; Tomás Rincón, Cristian Cásseres; Eduardo Bello, Jefferson Savarino, and Salomón Rondón. Coach: Fernando Batista.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.