This'll be the 11th time these two nations have met on Argentine soil, with Venezuela yet to taste victory, while la Albiceleste have won nine of their previous ten home games against la Vinotinto.
Argentina vs Venezuela preview
Argentina have been imperious in World Cup qualification, guaranteed a spot at next summer's tournament by finishing first in the CONMEBOL standings, so will they win again? With two games to go, Lionel Scaloni's side have won 11 of 16 qualifiers, losing just three, their most recent defeat coming against Paraguay in Asunción in November. The highlight of la Albiceleste's campaign then came in March, demolishing Brazil 4-1 in Buenos Aires, held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia last time out.
Thus, the reigning world champions and back-to-back Copa América winners will certainly be one of the teams to beat in North America next summer. After this, Argentina will conclude qualification against Ecuador in Guayaquil on Tuesday, so this could be Lionel Messi's last World Cup qualifier on home soil, so will he go out with a bang at Estadio Monumental on Thursday night?
As for Venezuela, while their hosts have nothing tangible to play for, this trip to Buenos Aires could be crucial. Of all ten South American nations, nine have previously qualified for World Cups, with Venezuela the sole exception, but they could be about to change that fact. Fernando Batista's team were beaten 2-0 by Uruguay in Montevideo last time out but, before that, enjoyed crucial home victories over both Peru and then Bolivia in Maturín; Salomón Rondón on target in both.
So, with two games to go, la Vinotinto sit seventh and, while automatic qualification may be beyond them, they're desperate to cling onto the inter-confederation play-off spot they currently occupy. Venezuela are one point above Bolivia, and finish their campaign at home to Colombia on Tuesday while la Verde, for their part, are in Colombia on Thursday, before Brazil visit El Alto next week. Thus, every point is precious as they seek to make history, but la Vinotinto are big underdogs in this one.
Argentina vs Venezuela head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 29.
- Argentina Wins: 24. Draws: 3. Venezuela Wins: 2.
Argentina team news
Enzo Fernández will miss both fixtures this month due to suspension, following his red card against Colombia in June, hence why he's not been called up by Lionel Scaloni.
To replace him, there are plenty of options; Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul have been the first choice starters, while Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios and Thiago Almada are all pretty good options.
In attack, Julián Álvarez could continue to get the nod over Lautaro Martínez, while Franco Mastantuono, who has impressed for Real Madrid, will be hoping to add to his solitary cap.
Argentina predicted lineup vs Venezuela: (4-3-3): Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; Mac Allister, De Paul, Almada; Messi, Álvarez, Mastantuono.
Argentina player to watch vs Venezuela
Captain Lionel Messi has been on 112 international goals since a hat-trick against Bolivia last October, while he is on course to become only the second man, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to reach 200 international caps in March's Finalissima.
Of these goals, 34 have come in World Cup qualifiers, including five against Venezuela, so will the Argentine talisman be on top form at the Monumental?
Venezuela team news
Fernando Batista is without midfielders Telasco Segovia and José Martínez who are both suspended due to yellow card accumulation, the latter having been booked six times in 12 appearances.
So, veteran Tomás Rincón will come into midfield, winning his 143rd cap, with Josef Martínez getting the nod over Kevin Kelsy in attack, the latter hoping to make his senior international debut.
Venezuela predicted lineup vs Argentina: (4-4-2): Romo; Aramburu, Ángel, Ferraresi, Navarro; Cásseres Jr, Rincón, Bello, Savarino; Martínez, Rondón.
Venezuela player to watch vs Argentina
At the age of 35, Salomón Rondón is spearheading Venezuela's push to reach a first-ever World Cup. Of his 47 international goals, eight have been scored since the start of this qualification campaign, on target during the 1-1 draw with Argentina in the reverse fixture, so could the veteran stirker be the hero in Buenos Aires?
Argentina vs Venezuela prediction
Despite the fact Argentina are guaranteed top spot and Venezuela have so much to play for, we are forecasting a home win, with the world champions likely to be too strong: Argentina 2-0 Venezuela.
Argentina vs Venezuela FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Argentina vs Venezuela in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Premier Sports 1
- USA: Peacock, UNIVERSO NOW & fuboTV
- Canada: Fanatiz
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Argentina vs Venezuela in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Premier Sports Player
- USA: Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo & fuboTV
- Canada: Fanatiz
What is the date and kick-off time for Argentina vs Venezuela in World Cup qualification?
Argentina vs Venezuela takes place on Thursday 4 September 2025, with kick off at 00:30 (BST), 19:30 (EDT) & 16:30 (PDT).