Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match.
Beating Bolivia is one thing, but taking points off Uruguay is an entirely different challenge. That is the task facing Venezuela. However, given Uruguay’s poor form in 2025, the visitors certainly have a realistic chance.
Uruguay
Uruguay have gone four qualifiers without a win, picking up two draws and suffering two defeats. This run has seen the team fall from second to fifth in the standings. Venezuela, once far behind, are now just three points adrift. Both Uruguay and Colombia have allowed Venezuela to close the gap, potentially setting up a dramatic finish to the qualification campaign. The Uruguayans still boast a solid defensive record, conceding just 0.8 goals per match. However, their attacking output has collapsed — they’ve scored only once in their last four fixtures, that goal coming in a 1:1 draw with Brazil.
Venezuela
Two rounds ago, Venezuela sat in eighth place with little hope of reaching the finals. But two consecutive wins have lifted the team above Bolivia and put them within striking distance of the top six. The fixture list has also favoured them. On matchdays 14 and 15, Venezuela faced more manageable opposition — Peru (1:0) and Bolivia (2:0) — with both matches played at home. It’s worth noting that Argentina (1:1), Brazil (1:1), and Uruguay (0:0) all failed to win in Maturín.
Uruguay vs Venezuela Prediction
Away from home, Venezuela remain vulnerable, but even in their March clash with second-placed Ecuador, they were narrowly beaten by a single goal (1:2). Those recent wins have given the team a boost in confidence, and despite the stronger opponent on paper, expectations are that Venezuela will keep things close. Given Uruguay’s ongoing scoring issues, it’s reasonable to expect Venezuela to either avoid defeat or lose by no more than one goal.
