Uruguay Triumphs Over Venezuela, Closing in on World Cup Qualification

Uruguay edged closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a solid 2-0 win over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

The two teams faced off with just three points separating them in the standings, and Uruguay understood that a victory would propel them closer to qualification for next year’s tournament. However, the first half lacked intensity, as both sides found it difficult to create meaningful chances, despite the game unfolding at a brisk tempo.

Uruguay looked more threatening, controlling both territory and possession, while Venezuela sought to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The home side’s best attempts fell to Jose Maria Gimenez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta, yet neither could find the net from inside the box.

At the other end, Miguel Navarro’s off-target effort marked Venezuela’s closest moment of concern for goalkeeper Santiago Mele, and it appeared that the first half would conclude without a single shot on target. However, Uruguay’s Rodrigo Aguirre had other plans, directing a header from Maximilian Araújo’s corner through Rafael Romo’s legs to give La Celeste the lead going into the break.

Unlike the opening half, Uruguay wasted no time asserting themselves in the match after the interval. They quickly doubled their lead within five minutes, thanks to a stunning strike from De Arrascaeta, who found the back of the net from outside the box after winning the ball himself. Aguirre then saw a shot saved from a promising position, while Romo had to tip a Facundo Pellistri effort from a tight angle over the bar.

As the match progressed, Venezuela were compelled to take more risks and push forward, but they struggled to create any real threat until the closing moments, by which time it was too late to turn the tide.

Uruguay comfortably settled back and focused on countering, frequently creating difficulties for the Venezuelan defence. Ultimately, they were satisfied with just the two goals, but the three points were crucial, marking only their second victory in the last 11 matches under Marcelo Bielsa.

Fernando Batista’s side remains in the inter-confederation play-off position, yet they now sit just one point clear of Bolivia. With challenging fixtures against Argentina and Colombia looming, their aspirations to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time are looking increasingly daunting.