Argentina Respects Venezuela's Ambition, Keeps The Best Even Though He Has Qualified For The 2026 World Cup

Argentina is preparing to face Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Instagram/@aphaseleccion).

JAKARTA - Argentina will face Venezuela and Ecuador in the two final matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Conmebol Zone.

Venezuela, which will be faced at home on Friday, September 5, 2025, morning WIB, has a mission to win three points to accompany Argentina to the 2026 World Cup finals.

Currently, Fernando Batista's Venezuela is seventh in the standings, still not safe to get a ticket to the finals - only the top six of the Conmebol Zone standings have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Venezuela is four points clear of Colombia who is sixth and can still be evicted from Bolivia in eighth place, which is only one point apart.

Because of that, Venezuela is fighting desperately against Argentina for the sake of the mission. At least, they can end up in seventh place in the standings that will take them to the inter-confederation playoffs by March 2026.

Seeing this situation, Scaloni is well aware of Venezuela's ambition. Argentina did not want to waste points because they wanted to make a memorable match for their captain, Lionel Messi - who reportedly played his last home game with Team Tango.

"They are difficult opponents and don't make us comfortable. Together with Bocha (Batista), they have achieved some very good results."

"They have the possibility of playing in the World Cup (2026). It could be something historic for them. So, we appreciate that."

"We've shared moments with them. They'll be tough opponents, where a lot of things are at stake in tomorrow's game."

"It makes the game interesting to watch. As usual, we will try to win in our own way," said Scaloni.

After facing Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina will fly to Ecuador to play the final match of the 2026 Conmebol World Cup Qualification Zone.