Colombia are unbeaten in eight meetings with Venezuela, dating back a decade, winning five of them, with la Vinotinto failing to score in seven of these encounters.
Venezuela vs Colombia preview
It is one of the biggest nights in Venezuelan football history so, come full time in Maturín, will their World Cup hopes still be alive, or will they have gone up in smoke? Of all ten South American nations, Venezuela are the only one to have never featured at a World Cup, winning just six of their previous 41 qualifiers prior to this campaign. However, going into the final matchday, Fernando Batista's team are still in the hunt for a spot at next summer's tournament in North America.
On Thursday night, la Vinotinto were swatted aside 3-0 by Argentina in Buenos Aires, with Lionel Messi scoring twice on a night of celebration at the Monumental. However, earlier this year, Venezuela did enjoy back-to-back home wins, beating Peru 1-0 and Bolivia 2-0, both in Maturín, so their fate remains in their own hands. While the six automatic qualification spots have all been taken, la Vinotinto start the night seventh, which would see them enter March's inter-confederation play-offs. However, Bolivia are just one point behind so, if Venezuela were to slip-up, they would be eliminated if la Verde are able to beat Brazil in El Alto simultaneously. Given that they're on the cusp of history, Venezuela won't want to leave it to change, so can they get the victory they need in Maturín?
As for Colombia, they've already rubber stamped their own World Cup spot, but can they spoil their neighbours' potential party? Los Cafeteros actually did Venezuela a favour on Thursday by beating Bolivia 3-0 in Barranquilla, with James Rodríguez breaking the deadlock, before Jhon Córdoba and then Juan Fernando Quintero both struck late on. Néstor Lorenzo's team therefore sit fifth in the table, having accumulated 25 points to date, impressively losing just four of 17 qualifiers.
Thus, los Cafeteros will be back at the World Cup next summer, their seventh appearance at the tournament, having missed out on Qatar 2022. Colombia's best run came in 2014, ousted by hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals, but they could be poised for a similarly lengthy run, having reached last summer's Copa América Final, doing so for the first time since 2001. Thus, Colombia cannot be taken lightly, but this game is all about Venezuela, so will they get the win they need?
Venezuela vs Colombia head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 51.
- Venezuela Wins: 7. Draws: 17. Colombia Wins: 27.
Venezuela team news
Midfielders Telasco Segovia and José Martínez could both return, having been suspended for Thursday's defeat in Argentina, albeit the latter is an injury doubt.
In attack, Jefferson Savarino got the nod to partner their talisman, more on him in just a second, chosen over Josef Martínez, while Kevin Kelsy is awaiting his senior international debut.
Venezuela predicted lineup vs Colombia: (5-3-2): Romo; Aramburu, Ángel, Makoun, Ferraresi, Navarro; Cásseres Jr, Rincón, Bello; Savarino, Rondón.
Venezuela player to watch vs Colombia
Salomón Rondón has 119 caps to his name, only two Venezuelan men have more, while he is la Vinotinto's all-time record scorer with 47, eight of which have come in the last two years. So, can he fire his nation into the inter-confederation play-offs, thereby keeping their World Cup dream alive?
Colombia team news
Right-back Daniel Muñoz and defensive midfielder Kevin Castaño were both suspended on Thursday, so will either come straight back into Néstor Lorenzo's lineup?
Camilo Vargas is the number one goalkeeper these days, having usurped David Ospina in the pecking order. At the other end of the field, there's no Jhon Durán but Luis Díaz will be key to their attack.
Colombia predicted lineup vs Venezuela: (4-3-3): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Ríos, Lerma, Arias, Rodríguez, Luis Díaz; Córdoba.
Colombia player to watch vs Venezuela
James Rodríguez marked his 117th cap with his 30th international goal against Bolivia, with this likely to be the 34 year old's last-ever World Cup qualifier, so will he sign off with a goal?
Venezuela vs Colombia prediction
Given that this means very little to the visitors but everything to the hosts, a score is tough to predict, but we are backing Venezuela to get the win they need to secure 7th: Venezuela 2-1 Colombia.
Venezuela vs Colombia FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Venezuela vs Colombia in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Venezuela vs Colombia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Fanatiz USA
- Canada: Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Venezuela vs Colombia in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Venezuela vs Colombia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Fanatiz USA
- Canada: Fanatiz Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Venezuela vs Colombia in World Cup qualification?
Venezuela vs Colombia takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 00:30am (BST), 7:30 (EDT) & 4:30 (PDT).