Frank Christian
If Brazil wins against Venezuela in Thursday’s international match, they will temporarily secure the second position in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings.
After a challenging start to the 2026 qualifiers, Brazil has bounced back with four consecutive victories, bringing them back into contention for a spot at the finals to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Venezuela is also competing for a spot, sitting just outside the top six that guarantee a place in the tournament’s group stage in 19 months. The seventh-place team might still qualify, but would need to navigate an intercontinental playoff.
The Sporting News is covering live score updates for the match.
Current Score: Venezuela vs. Brazil
| 1st Half | Goal scorers | |
| Venezuela | — | — |
| Brazil | — | — |
Lineups:
Venezuela (4-2-3-1, left to right): 22. Rafael Romo (GK) — 4. Jon Aramburu, 3. Wilker Angel, 14. Ruben Ramirez, 15. Miguel Navarro — 6. Yangel Herrera, 13. Jose Martinez — 20. Eduard Bello, 7. Jefferson Savarino, 16. Jhon Murillo — 23. Salomon Rondon
Brazil (4-2-3-1, left to right): 23. Ederson (GK) — 13. Vanderson, 4. Marquinhos, 14. Gabriel Magalhaes, 16. Abner — 15. Gerson, 5. Bruno Guimaraes — 20. Savinho, 10. Raphinha, 7. Vinicius Junior — 9. Igor Jesus
2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying Standings
Brazil has improved its position after a shaky start and now sits fourth following 10 matches. Venezuela ranks eighth, just two points away from the top five.
| Position | Team | Games Played | Points | Wins-Draws-Losses | Goal Difference |
| 1. | Argentina | 10 | 22 | 7-1-2 | 14 |
| 2. | Colombia | 10 | 19 | 5-4-1 | 7 |
| 3. | Uruguay | 10 | 16 | 4-4-2 | 7 |
| 4. | Brazil | 10 | 16 | 5-1-4 | 6 |
| 5. | Ecuador | 10 | 13 | 4-4-2 | 2 |
| 6. | Paraguay | 10 | 13 | 3-4-3 | 0 |
| 7. | Bolivia | 10 | 12 | 4-0-6 | -10 |
| 8. | Venezuela | 10 | 11 | 2-5-3 | -2 |
| 9. | Peru | 10 | 6 | 1-3-6 | -11 |
| 10. | Chile | 10 | 5 | 1-2-7 | -13 |
Team News and Predicted Lineups for Venezuela vs. Brazil
Venezuela will be missing defender Yordan Osorio due to a back injury sustained while playing for Parma.
Additionally, backup goalkeeper Joel Graterol is sidelined with a knee injury incurred in early October.
Venezuela has shifted away from some veteran players, including Josef Martinez and Roberto Rosales, who have not been called up since the Copa America.
Venezuela’s lineup (4-2-3-1, left to right): Romo (GK) — Aramburu, Angel, Ramirez, Navarro — Herrera, Martinez — Bello, Savarino, Murillo — Rondon
Substitutes: Farinez, Ferraresi, Makoun, Rincon, Cadiz, Segovia, Machis, Baroja, Andrade, Casseres Jr.
Injuries: Osorio (back), Graterol (knee).
Suspensions: None.
Brazil’s coach Dorival has announced that Vinicius Junior will replace Rodrygo, following their 4-0 victory over Peru.
Notably absent will be Neymar due to injury, along with Rodrygo who is out for over a month, and Eder Militao, who has suffered a significant knee injury. Both are joined on the injury list by Bremer and Pedro, also with long-term injuries.
Moreover, Alisson will miss the game due to a hamstring injury, and Yan Couto was not called up after his recent return from injury.
Brazil’s lineup (4-2-3-1, left to right): Ederson (GK) — Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner — Gerson, Guimaraes — Savinho, Raphinha, Vinicius — Jesus
Substitutes: Weverton, Danilo, Ortiz, Arana, Paqueta, Martinelli, Bento, Murillo, Andre, Pereira, Luiz Henrique, Estevao
Injuries: Rodrygo (thigh), Militao (ACL), Neymar (hamstring), Alisson (hamstring), Bremer (ACL), Pedro (ACL), Couto (fitness).
Suspensions: None.
Match Timing for Venezuela vs. Brazil
The World Cup qualifying match is set to take place at Estadio Monumental de Maturin in Venezuela at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how the kickoff time compares in various regions:
| Date | Kickoff Time | |
| USA | Thu, Nov. 14 | 4 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Thu, Nov. 14 | 4 p.m. ET |
| Australia | Fri, Nov. 15 | 8 a.m. AEDT |
| UK | Thu, Nov. 14 | 9 p.m. GMT |
| India | Fri, Nov. 15 | 2:30 a.m. IST |
Head-to-Head Stats: Venezuela vs. Brazil
This match marks the 31st encounter between the two teams. Historically, Brazil has dominated with 24 wins and only two losses in their previous 30 matchups.
| Venezuela Wins | Draws | Brazil Wins |
| 2 | 4 | 24 |
