Venezuela and Colombia will meet on Wednesday, September 10, at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín for the final matchday of the CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. A game that, according to the standings, holds vital importance only for the home side, who are forced to win in order to secure seventh place and qualify for the playoffs. Venezuela must avoid being overtaken at the final curve by Bolivia, who are just one point behind but face a very tough clash against Brazil. The good news for Venezuela is that their future is still in their own hands. The situation is completely different for Colombia, who come into this match after four consecutive positive results and are already sure of qualifying for the next World Cup, currently sitting in fifth place. Nestor Lorenzo’s men have not been convincing away from home during these qualifiers, but they will still aim to close this campaign with a strong result. While Wednesday night will be a do-or-die match for Venezuela, for Colombia it represents an important test ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Venezuela's recent form and key stats

Venezuela come into this game after two consecutive defeats, though it must be noted that both came away against the first and third teams in the group: Argentina and Uruguay. Their recent record shows three losses and two wins in their last five games, with an average of 0.8 goals scored and 1.4 conceded.

After 17 rounds, Venezuela sit in seventh place with 18 points, the result of 4 wins, 6 draws, and 7 defeats. Their last victory came on June 7 with a 2-0 win over Bolivia. Throughout this qualifying campaign, they have averaged 0.93 goals scored per game while conceding 1.47.

La Vinotinto have won their last two home matches, beating Peru 1-0 and Bolivia 2-0. Before that, they managed to hold both Brazil and Argentina to 1-1 draws: a series of results that can inspire confidence ahead of the clash with Colombia.

Colombia's recent form and key stats

Colombia finished their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign on a high, picking up three draws and one win in their last four matches. In the last round, they easily defeated Bolivia 3-0, while previously they earned an important 1-1 draw away against Argentina.

Nestor Lorenzo’s men are currently in fifth place with 25 points, the result of 6 wins, 7 draws, and 5 defeats. Their biggest strength has been their attack, one of the most prolific in the group with 22 goals scored (1.4 per match). The defense, however, has not always been reliable, conceding almost one goal per game.

In the eight away matches they’ve played so far in the Qualifiers, Los Cafeteros have collected just one win, four draws, and three defeats. Their most recent away game was positive, holding Argentina to a 1-1 draw, but before that, they lost to Bolivia, Uruguay, and Colombia.

Venezuela vs Colombia prediction and tactical overview

The Venezuela vs Colombia prediction suggests a very balanced match, but with the home side slightly more likely to secure a draw or even a win. Venezuela simply cannot afford to lose if they want to reach the playoffs.

Fernando Batista’s team have never lost at home during these Qualifiers, collecting four wins and four draws in eight games. Moreover, Venezuela have the best defensive record at home, conceding just two goals across those eight matches.

Considering Venezuela’s excellent home form and Colombia’s struggles away from home, the BetMines algorithm leans towards the Double Chance 1X outcome, predicting either a Venezuela win or a draw.

Although Colombia arguably have more individual quality, especially in attack, the greater motivation of Venezuela — who are forced to win to keep their playoff hopes alive regardless of Bolivia’s result against Brazil — could make the difference here.

• Venezuela vs Colombia prediction by BetMines: Double Chance 1X with 67% probability

Probable lineups Venezuela vs Colombia

VENEZUELA (4-3-3): Romo; Aramburu, Navarro, Angel, Ferraresi; Casseres, Yriarte, Bello; Savarino, Soteldo, Rondon. Coach: Fernando Batista

COLOMBIA (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Castano; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba. Coach: Nestor Lorenzo