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.

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.

Lionel Messi returns for the defending FIFA champions Argentina as the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying leaders hit the road to visit Venezuela hoping to retain their slim advantage atop the standings.

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.

Chile, one of the worst-performing teams in South American qualifying, opened the scoring seconds after the kickoff at the National Stadium in Santiago

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.

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.