Matchday 18 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Venezuela and Colombia will take place on September 10 at the Monumental de Maturín Stadium. Venezuela vs. Colombia: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Venezuela
Fernando Batista's squad visited Argentina in the last round and unsurprisingly suffered a 0-3 defeat. As a result, the team remained in 7th place, losing the chance for direct qualification to the World Cup. However, there's still a possibility of reaching the tournament through the playoffs, and to do so, Venezuela must maintain their current position in the standings. They are one point ahead of Bolivia, so by the end of the final round, they need to have at least as many points as Bolivia.
- The team has not won in 11 of their last 13 World Cup qualifying games (5 draws, 6 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 7 of Venezuela's last 9 matches in this tournament.
- Venezuela's unbeaten home run in World Cup qualifying stands at 8 matches – 4 wins and 4 draws.
Predicted lineup for Venezuela (5-3-2)
Rafael Romo – Ángel Romero, Miguel Navarro, Nahuel Ferraresi, Jon Aramburu, Christian Makoun – Cristian Cásseres, Tomás Rincón, Eduard Bello – Salomón Rondón, Jefferson Savarino.
Colombia
Néstor Lorenzo's team played at home in the last round, easily defeating Bolivia 3-0. The victory ended a 6-match winless streak in this qualifying cycle (3 draws, 3 losses). Additionally, Colombia secured their place in the World Cup.
- Colombia's unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifying is 4 matches – 1 win and 3 draws.
- At least two goals have been scored in 6 of the team's last 8 matches in this tournament.
- Colombia has not won in their last five away World Cup qualifying matches (2 draws, 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Colombia (4-4-2)
Camilo Vargas – Jhon Lucumí, Davinson Sánchez, Johan Mojica, Santiago Arias – James Rodríguez, Jhon Arias, Richard Ríos, Jefferson Lerma – Luis Díaz, Jhon Córdoba.
Referee
Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 69;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 27%.
Venezuela vs. Colombia: Match Prediction
In the South American qualifiers, only one intrigue remains. All six direct World Cup spots have been decided, leaving the 7th place to be claimed. Venezuela has a better chance of securing this position, needing only to beat Colombia. However, the team can still retain this spot even if they lose, provided Brazil takes points off Bolivia.
Venezuela has been impressive at home, remaining unbeaten in this qualifying cycle (4 wins, 4 draws), conceding only two goals. Only Ecuador has also remained unbeaten at home. Meanwhile, Colombia has only won once in 8 away qualifiers. Considering the statistics of both teams and the lack of tournament motivation for the visitors, I believe the hosts have an excellent chance of at least avoiding defeat.
My prediction – “Venezuela with a handicap (0)”
