Last Updated on September 3, 2025 11:41 am by Erwin Noguera
Matchday 17 of the CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup promises to be a chapter full of tension, drama, and pure excitement, featuring Argentina against Venezuela.
With every point worth its weight in gold and every mistake coming at a high cost, the entire region is preparing for a week that will make history.
So far, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador have already secured their tickets, confirming the strength of their processes and the hierarchy of their squads. However, the real battle is in the middle of the table, where the difference between qualifying directly, entering the playoffs, or being left out of the most important tournament on the planet is minimal. This is where Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia come into play, teams that are keeping their hopes alive and facing these games with the pressure of not failing.
With this scenario, the stage is set for an exceptional week, in which South American soccer will bring the entire continent to a standstill.
At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.
Argentina vs. Venezuela Betting Odds and Info
Argentina -455 | Venezuela +1194 | Draw Offs: +521 |
When? | Thursday, September 4 at 7:30 PM ET, 6:30 PM CST, 5:30 PM MT, and 4:30 PM PT |
Where? | Monumental Stadium. |
Where Can I Watch it? | Fox Sports, fubo TV, and VIX |
Why Bet on Argentina?
The Argentine national team faces this match with the peace of mind of having secured its qualification for the 2026 World Cup several games in advance.Lionel Scaloni’s team arrives as the outright leader of the table with 35 points, once again confirming its strength as world champion and its dominance in the region.
Beyond not having the pressure to win, the match against Venezuela takes on a special significance: it will be Lionel Messi’s last South American Qualifier on Argentine soil, and he has hinted that it could be his farewell playing at home. This makes the match an emotional event for the Albiceleste fans.
Ahead of the clash with La Vinotinto, the coaching staff is likely to field a competitive starting eleven, mixing regular starters with players looking for minutes.
In addition to the emotional backdrop surrounding Messi, this match represents a key test for the Albiceleste, who will need to maintain their concentration in an unusual context: playing without the pressure of points, but with the need to continue demonstrating their championship level.
Why Bet on Venezuela?
For Venezuela, the clash at the Monumental is much more than just a qualifying match: it is a real final.
La Vinotinto currently occupies seventh place in the table with 18 points, a position that gives them access to the playoffs, albeit by a very narrow margin. Bolivia, with 17 points, is breathing down their necks, forcing Fernando Batista’s team to score in Buenos Aires if they don’t want to complicate their dream of competing in a World Cup for the first time. The pressure is enormous, but so is the motivation to face the world champions in a historic setting.
The Venezuelan team knows that a good result in Argentina could be a decisive morale boost ahead of the final matchday, where the fight for the sixth direct spot and the playoffs will be tighter than ever.
La Vinotinto has shown significant growth this season, with a more competitive and organized style, although it has struggled to maintain consistency against top-tier opponents. Now, against La Albiceleste, it will have to find a way to hold out defensively and take advantage of any scoring opportunities that come its way.
The challenge will not be easy, but Venezuela has shown that it is willing to fight until the end. Its fans are clinging to the dream of seeing the national team in a World Cup for the first time, and every point is vital on this journey. Against Argentina, the minimum goal will be to avoid defeat to keep their hopes alive until the final matchday.
Final Betting Analysis: Argentina vs. Venezuela
In the last 10 matches between these two national teams, Argentina has completely dominated the series with six wins. Venezuela, on the other hand, has only one win, while three games have ended in draws.
The most recent match between them, played in Maturín, Venezuela, ended in a 1-1 draw.
At Gambyl Exchange, we can see that there is a Moneyline that favors Argentina at -455, while Venezuela starts at +1194.
Although Argentina will be playing at home, we do not rule out a very balanced and solid game from La Vinotinto, who are playing for their lives. Therefore, our prediction is a draw.
Look for a Draw. If you put $100 on Draw at +521, you’ll see a $521.00 win with a total payout of $621.00.