Argentina welcome Venezuela to the Estadio Monumental in the penultimate match in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The visitors will be looking to brighten their chances of of picking up a World Cup ticket while the hosts have already sealed passage to the mundial.
Argentina come into this game as the top team in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 11 wins from 16 matches. Lionel Scaloni’s men have already secured a place in the 2025 FIFA World Cup and are only playing for pride.
Home form has been important for Argentina, who have won four of their last five qualifying matches. However, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia in their most recent outing, with Tiago Almada’s late effort earning them a share of the spoils.
It has not been a smooth campaign for Venezuela, who have picked up four wins from their 16 matches so far. They currently occupy the intercontinental playoff spot and will be keen to push up the table while also fending off fast-rising Bolivia.
Venezuela travel to Buenos Aires off the back of four defeats in their last six matches, including a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in their previous fixture. That result extends a poor record on the road for Fernando Batista’s men, who have lost their last six away matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Argentina overwhelming favourites
Argentina have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/5 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Venezuela is valued at 11/1 while a draw is set at odds of 5/1.
Head to head: Superior Argentina
Argentina have a 10-2 advantage with three draws from 15 previous matches. Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture back in October.
Players to watch: Eyes on Messi
Lionel Messi could prove the difference for Argentina once again, having scored six times in the qualifiers so far. The forward will be the one to watch for the reigning world champions and could be backed to find the net (Lionel Messi anytime goalscorer – valued at 8/13 with BoyleSports).
Salomon Rondon is the all-time leading scorer for Venezuela with 47 goals and could be worth keeping an eye on. The striker has found the net in two of the last three matches and will be keen to maintain his scoring run (Salomon Rondon anytime goalscorer – priced at 7/2).
Probable line-ups:
Argentina could line up with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi in the heart of the defence, while Rodrigo de Paul should get the nod in midfield. Franco Mastantuono is also in line to feature, with Messi and Alvarez expected to lead the line.
Venezuela, meanwhile, should set up with Rafael Romo in goal while Jon Aramburu, Nahuel Ferraresi, and Miguel Navarro provide defensive cover. Telasco Segovia and Jefferson Savarino are expected in midfield, with Rondon partnering Josef Martinez up front.
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Paredes, De Paul, Mastantuono; Almada, Messi, Alvarez
Venezuela: Romo; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Angel, Navarro; Segovia, Martinez, Savarino; Martinez, Rondon, Bello
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in six of the last eight matches between Argentina and Venezuela (BTTS YES – offered at 11/10 with BoyleSports). The Argentines have won the first half in three of their last four matches (Argentina halftime win – available at odds of 8/13).
Argentina are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (Argentina win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 7/10).
GambleAware