Argentina consolidated its position at the top of CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification table with a 1-1 away draw over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin in Maturin on Friday.

Salomon Rondon scored a second-half equalizer as Venezuela managed to secure a 1-1 draw at home against Argentina in their World Cup qualifier. Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring for the reigning world champions by firing home from the edge of the six-yard box after Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo punched away Lionel Messi's free-kick.

An 89th-minute goal by substitute Luiz Henrique gave Brazil a much-needed 2-1 away win over Chile in a World Cup qualifying match.

Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera will officiate the match. An official FIFA referee since 2018, Tejera was included in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers list in 2023.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi commented on the 9th round match of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Venezuela.

Venezuela are undoubtedly a stronger outfit than they have been in previous qualifying campaigns, and there is a genuine chance that they can make it to the 2026 World Cup, but there still remains a gulf in class between these two nations and one which is likely to be evident in this fixture.

Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina all face tricky away trips in the next round of South American World Cup 2026 qualifying this week.

Argentina visits Venezuela looking to maintain the top spot in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Manager Lionel Scaloni announced his 27 man squad for the upcoming games, unfortunately for him a number of players were ruled out with injuries.