On the opening day of the 2026 South American Qualifiers, Colombia will welcome Venezuela at the Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan Stadium to kick off a path toward the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The venue provides a memorable backdrop as two passionate national teams begin their campaigns, both hoping to feature on football’s biggest stage and deliver a standout performance in front of their fans.
Colombia enters the qualification round aiming to rebound from a disappointing exit in Qatar 2022, where the team finished sixth in the standings during the CONMEBOL process. The squad is led by coach Nestor Lawrence, who has the task of shaping a squad capable of competing at the highest level in South America and beyond. A fresh approach and a strong home record will be essential as the Coffee Growers look to build momentum from the opening fixtures and demonstrate their resurgence on the global stage.
Venezuela, under the guidance of Fernando Batista, faces a similarly challenging road. The Vinotinto will be determined to overturn a difficult recent World Cup cycle and push for a breakthrough that would mark a historic first appearance on football’s grandest stage. The team will rely on tactical discipline, resilience, and the ability to damage opponents on the counter as they travel to Colombia with ambitions of climbing the standings and making a bold statement in the region.
Match Schedule for the 2026 South American Qualifiers: Calendar and Matchdays
COLOMBIA VS VENEZUELA: DATE AND START TIME
HOW TO WATCH COLOMBIA VS VENEZUELA ONLINE: CHANNELS AND STREAMS
HEAD TO HEAD: LAST FIVE MEETINGS
FORMATIONS
COLOMBIA
To be confirmed.
VENEZUELA
To be confirmed.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
The South American Qualifiers are the gateway to the World Cup, featuring intense battles among CONMEBOL’s strongest sides. For Colombia, the opening match represents a chance to set the tone for the campaign, balancing creative attacking play with solid defensive organization. Venezuela, meanwhile, will look to exploit spaces and capitalize on set-piece opportunities to gain early points on the road. Both teams understand that every point on foreign soil can influence their final standing, and the atmosphere in Barranquilla is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their teams.
The stadium choice underscores the importance of staging high-stakes qualifiers in venues with modern facilities and passionate crowds. As teams assemble their rosters ahead of the kickoff, coaches will weigh considerations such as player availability, form, and the tactical balance required to navigate a demanding South American schedule. The opening fixture often crystallizes early expectations and can set in motion a narrative that carries through the qualifying campaign.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, supporters in Canada, the United States, and across North America will be watching closely. The 2026 qualifiers promise a blend of technical finesse, physical intensity, and strategic innovation as Colombia and Venezuela aim to translate domestic form into continental success. The journey to the World Cup remains a central objective for both nations, with every fixture shaping their chances and shaping the broader story of CONMEBOL in this qualification cycle.
(Goal)