In the upcoming round of South American World Cup qualifiers, Venezuela host Bolivia in a must-win game for both nations if they still want any chance of finishing in the top six.
Contents
Venezuela vs Bolivia prediction: Another away defeat for La Verde
Key stats
- Bolivia have won just one of their last 72 away World Cup qualifiers.
- Venezuela have won all six home qualifiers against Bolivia in the 21st century.
- Bolivia have failed to win any of their last five World Cup qualifiers, conceding 15 goals.
- Venezuela are yet to lose at home in 2026 World Cup qualifying, winning three and drawing four.
Correct score prediction: Venezuela 2-0 Bolivia
Away wins for Bolivia are one of the rarest phenomenons in international football, and sadly for them, that could end any realistic hopes they still have of finishing in the playoff spot and ending their three-decade wait for an appearance at the World Cup.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers give Bolivia a slim chance
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- DRAW: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
- AWAY: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.8%
It is clear from the odds that even though Venezuela are not in the best form, only ending a nine-game winless streak at home to Peru in March, the bookies still see the hosts as the clear favourites, due to Bolivia's constant struggles on the road.
Bolivia have been guilty of leaking plenty of goals away from home too, so over 2.5 goals in this match offers great value at odds of 8/7.
For more predictions on the weekend’s football, take a look at our football betting tips page.
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Most recent H2Hs: Home advantage often crucial
The last seven meetings between Venezuela and Bolivia have seen the home side on the day win, including in favour of La Verde in September, when they thrashed La Vinotinto 4-0 in the altitude of El Alto.
However, Bolivia have not won here since the early 1990s, and have lost on all six visits since the turn of the millennium.
South America - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/24
Bolivia
Venezuela
South America - World Cup Qualifying 28/01/22
Venezuela
Bolivia
South America - World Cup Qualifying 03/06/21
Bolivia
Venezuela
International Match 10/10/19
Venezuela
Bolivia
Copa America 22/06/19
Bolivia
Venezuela
Venezuela preview: Looking to build on important win
Venezuela got back on track with a home win over Peru in March, and if they can make it back-to-back victories here, Fernando Batista's men will still be in with a good chance of sneaking into the top six.
There are not too many surprises in their squad, and this could be the match where Yeferson Soteldo wins his 50th cap for La Vinotinto.
Predicted lineup: Romo (GK), Gonzalez, Ferraresi, Angel, Aramburu, Savarino, Herrera, Casseres, Soteldo, Josef Martinez & Rondon
South America - World Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
W
Peru
0
Venezuela
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Ecuador
2
Venezuela
1
International Match 18/01/25
L
USA
3
Venezuela
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 20/11/24
L
Chile
4
Venezuela
2
South America - World Cup Qualifying 14/11/24
D
Brazil
1
Venezuela
1
Bolivia preview: Dreaming of another unlikely away win
Bolivia stunned Chile to end a 67-game winless streak away from home in qualifying at the end of 2024, but Oscar Villegas's men have lost all three away games since, and they know they really need to take something here if they are to keep any hopes alive of finishing seventh.
Jose Sagredo and Ramiro Vaca will be big misses too, as the duo are currently sidelined along with Boris Cespedes and Luis Paz, in what is an inexperienced squad, with no outfield player having amassed more than 50 caps.
Predicted lineup: Viscarra (GK), Medina, Haquin, Morales, R Fernandez, Villamil, Cuellar, E Vaca, Robson Matheus, Miguelito & Algaranaz
South America - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Uruguay
0
Bolivia
0
South America - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Peru
3
Bolivia
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 19/11/24
D
Paraguay
2
Bolivia
2
South America - World Cup Qualifying 15/11/24
L
Ecuador
4
Bolivia
0
South America - World Cup Qualifying 16/10/24
L
Argentina
6
Bolivia
0
Player to watch: Salomon Rondon
All the impetus will be on Venezuela to win the game, and they will hope for more brilliance in attack from Rondon, who has been clinical in recent clashes with Bolivia.
The former Newcastle United and Everton striker has netted five goals in his last two matches against La Verde, including a hat trick the last time Venezuela hosted Bolivia in World Cup qualifying back in 2022.