The South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup resume today, November 14, with an exciting match between Venezuela and Brazil. The competition is heating up, as teams across the continent strive to secure their spots in the prestigious tournament. While Venezuela, coached by Fernando Batista, has assembled a competitive squad, Brazil, the five-time world champion, is facing some challenges despite its star-studded lineup.
Currently, Venezuela is enjoying a decent sporting phase and sits eighth in the standings with 11 points, just one point behind Bolivia, who holds a playoff spot. Although their recent results have been mixed—drawing 1-1 with Argentina and losing 2-1 to Paraguay—they remain determined to pressure their rivals. Their notable away draw against Peru is a testament to their improving form and resilience.
On the other hand, Brazil is on a strong upswing following an impressive 4-0 victory over Peru, which saw their prominent players shine again. Now positioned fourth in the standings with 16 points, Brazil is close to ensuring a spot in the World Cup. In their last games, Brazil not only dominated Peru but also secured a 2-1 win against Chile, collecting crucial points under the guidance of coach Dorival Júnior.
Key players for Venezuela include Jefferson Soteldo and Salomón Rondón, while Brazil boasts the talents of Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and Raphinha from FC Barcelona. Even though individual prowess appears to favor Brazil, Venezuela has shown strength, particularly at home. Their recent draw against Argentina proved their capability to challenge top teams.
The match is set to take place at 16:00 hours in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, 17:00 in Venezuela, and 18:00 in Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. This game represents a pivotal opportunity for both sides to improve their standings.
The last encounter between these two teams on October 12, 2023, ended in a surprising draw, where Venezuela earned its first-ever point in Brazil, a historic achievement that will be remembered by fans. Today’s match could serve as a chance for Venezuela to seek revenge or for Brazil to re-establish dominance.
In summary, both teams have much to gain from this match, and the excitement surrounding the qualifiers continues to build. Regardless of the outcome, the passion and commitment displayed by these teams highlight the thrill of South American football and its power to unite fans across the continent.