Venezuela Aims for Playoff Spot as Colombia Seeks to Maintain Winning Streak

Venezuela will host Colombia in Maturín on Tuesday for an important South American World Cup qualifier, as reported by Infobae. La Vinotinto needs to win at the Estadio Monumental to secure a playoff spot, the last position still uncertain after six teams have already qualified for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Fernando Batista’s team faces pressure following a 3-0 defeat against Argentina in Buenos Aires, a loss that has put their campaign in jeopardy. Venezuela is currently seventh with 18 points, just one point ahead of Bolivia, who will play Brazil in La Paz. A win at home would allow Venezuela to secure their place without depending on goal difference.

Key players Josef Martínez, Yangel Herrera, and Jhonder Cádiz will miss the match due to injuries, leaving veteran striker Salomón Rondón as the primary attacker. Despite these setbacks, Batista remains confident: “It depends on us to reach the playoff. I have no doubt we will achieve the goal. In Maturín we are strong, and Tuesday gives us a beautiful chance to secure it.”

Colombia, having already qualified after a 3-0 victory over Bolivia, comes into the match with less pressure but boasts a talented squad. Stars like James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Juanfer Quintero are part of Néstor Lorenzo’s team, which aims to end the qualifiers on a high note.

Historically, the match-up favors Colombia, with 21 wins to Venezuela’s 7 and 15 draws in 43 encounters. Their most recent official meeting was in September 2023, where Colombia secured a 1-0 victory at home in Barranquilla, thanks to a goal from Rafael Santos Borré.