Overview
Venezuela's form is currently quite erratic. Last month, coach Fernando Batista's team suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat to Bolivia. However, immediately after that, they defended resolutely and excellently held Uruguay to a draw.
With 10 points and 6th place (the last place to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup) after nearly halfway through the qualifying round, Venezuela are playing much better than they were before.
Putting aside the 0-4 defeat to Bolivia, Venezuela's defense performed relatively well in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with only 3 goals conceded and 3 clean sheets. The attack is really a worrying issue for Venezuela as they have only scored 1 goal in the last 4 qualifiers.
Compared to Venezuela, Argentina is rated higher in every aspect. After the first 8 matches, Albiceleste has 18 points, leading the rankings and is considered to have one foot in the 2026 World Cup.
In September's FIFA Days, with Lionel Messi absent, Argentina lost to Colombia. However, El Pulga will return in this training session to lead the Albiceleste to another victory.
Inter Miami's striker continues to show his importance as he is Argentina's top scorer in qualifying (3 goals).
Argentina have an impressive recent record against Venezuela. They have won their last three games against Venezuela and have lost just once in their last eight. The hosts' last win against Argentina was a friendly in 2019.
Human resources situation
Venezuela have some personnel concerns in defence with Teo Quintero and Jhon Chancellor both absent through injury.
On the other side of the front line, Argentina will be missing three players after Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Gonzalez and Alejandro Garnacho all withdrew from the squad.
Expected lineup:
Venezuela: Romo, Aramburu, Osorio, Ferraresi, Navarro, Bello, Martinez, Casseres, Segovia, Soteldo, Rondon.
Argentina: Rulli, Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico, Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez, Alvarez, Martinez, Messi.
The match between Venezuela and Argentina takes place at 4:00 a.m. on October 11 (Vietnam time).
