Venezuela vs. Colombia Preview and Free Pick

Last Updated on September 8, 2025 10:58 am by Erwin Noguera

The final matchday of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup is here, and all eyes will be on the Venezuela vs. Colombia clash, which will decide the playoff spot.

Venezuela is coming off a 3-0 defeat to Argentina, but it still depends on itself to advance to the next round.

Meanwhile, Colombia thrashed Bolivia 3-0 in Barranquilla and secured their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Venezuela vs. Colombia Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on Venezuela?

Venezuela is close to achieving something historic, whichthey have never done before: qualifying for a World Cup. With 18 points, they are in seventh place, currently holding the playoff spot. However, they are only one point ahead of Bolivia.

They are coming off a 3-0 loss to Argentina after a Lionel Messi brace and a Lautaro Martínez goal, but fortunately for them, Bolivia lost by the same score, so nothing changed in the standings.

The ‘Vinotinto’ will host their classic rival, Colombia, who are already qualified, meaning it’s very likely they will field some substitutes who haven’t had many minutes, in addition to not needing to push for a win.

They have lost their last two matches and haven’t been able to score. However, at home, they remain unbeaten, with four wins and four draws, scoring nine goals and conceding just two—against Argentina and Brazil.

Salomón Rondón is the team’s top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals.

Why Bet on Colombia?

Colombia achieved its goal: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. After missing the 2022 tournament, Néstor Lorenzo’s side returned to the top national team competition following their 3-0 victory over Bolivia.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, two of the goals came in the final minutes, and the ‘Tricolor’ were in trouble for a long stretch— something the team has been heavily criticized for. After a fantastic start, their level dropped significantly after the Copa América, winning three matches, drawing four, and losing another four. In fact, this win over ‘La Verde’ broke a six-match winless streak that included three defeats.

Colombia’s generational renewal has not gone as expected, making it one of the oldest squads on the continent. Due to their lack of goals, they even had to call up 39-year-old Dayro Moreno. That, however, seemed to spark Jhon Córdoba, who had been widely criticized and scored his first goal in over a year—his last coming in the Copa América—and his first in the qualifiers.

A victory, combined with other results, could see the ‘Cafeteros’ climb to second place, which would mean a better seeding in the draw, possibly even as a group leader, so they will not take this match lightly. Still, players like Luis Suárez, Marino Hinestroza, Jorge Carrascal, and others will likely see minutes.

Luis Díaz, the team’s star, has seven goals, just one behind Lionel Messi, the top scorer in the qualifiers, so he will likely play as well in search of that title. Daniel Muñoz has served his suspension and will be available.

Final Betting Analysis: Venezuela vs. Colombia

This is a derby, and these matches are always different. Even when Venezuela was a much weaker team, they played their games against Colombia in a completely different way. Considering the opportunity the ‘Vinotinto’ have in front of them, the recent level of the ‘Cafeteros’, and the fact that they are already qualified, we believe Venezuela will be the winners.

The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Venezuela as the favorite, with their Moneyline at +150, while Colombia is at +223 and the draw at +221.

The last time they faced each other in the qualifiers was on September 7, 2023, when Colombia won 1-0 with a goal from Rafael Santos Borré, while the last time they met in Venezuela, the ‘Tricolor’ also won by the same score thanks to a James Rodríguez penalty.

Including friendlies, Colombia are unbeaten in nine matches, winning six of them. The last time the ‘Vinotinto’ won was in the 2015 Copa América, a 1-0 victory with a goal from Rondón.

Go for a win for Venezuela. If you bet $100 at +150, you will gain $150 for a total payout of $250.

Venezuela vs. Colombia Betting Pick: Venezuela