Venezuela delivered a commanding performance, defeating Chile 3-0 at the Monumental de Maturín.
In a key South American qualifying fixture for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Venezuela hosted Chile at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín. Fresh off a historic draw in Brazil, the Vinotinto sought to reinforce their standing on home soil against a Roja side hungry to secure momentum after their first win in the qualifiers and to sharpen their position on the table.
Entering the match with four points from the first three games, both teams understood the stakes. They were direct rivals in the fight to reach the finals in North America, and this encounter carried significant weight as the campaign moved toward its later stages.
After ninety minutes, the scoreboard told a clear story: Venezuela 3, Chile 0. The breakthrough came from Yeferson Soteldo, whose creativity and precision helped expose the Chilean defense. He notched a goal and earned two assists, becoming the decisive factor in a convincing home victory at the Monumental de Maturín.
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Minute by minute of Venezuela vs. Chile from the 2026 South American Qualifiers
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79′ – Venezuela extends the lead as Darwin Machís finishes a superb move set up by Yeferson Soteldo.
VINOTINTO SHINES AGAINST CHILE
Soteldo remains the focal point. He delivered the cross, Caseres directed a header, and Machís sealed the moment with the third goal in front of the home fans.
Supporters voiced their enthusiasm, sharing images and messages of encouragement as the final whistle approached.
73′ – Salomón Rondón adds another chapter to his long run with the national team, sprinting clear and converting after a clever run by Soteldo.
THE DOUBLE ASSIST FROM SOTELDO
That sequence featured Soteldo again, pulling the strings and setting up Rondón for a milestone goal in his 100th appearance for Vinotinto, thrilling the crowd at Maturín.
45+2′ – Soteldo finishes a precise move with a clinical finish, taking his tally for the night to add another layer to Venezuela’s advantage.
THE STORY OF YEFERSON SOTELDO
Midfield control from the home side began with a recovered ball by Brujo Martínez, who sparked an incisive move that left Chile chasing shadows and allowed Venezuela to dictate the tempo from the middle third.
18′ – A brilliant header from Salomón Rondón nearly altered the scoreline early, threatening Chile’s goal and signaling the potency of the Vinotinto’s attacking line.
- Chile’s starting XI: Brayan Cortés; Felipe Loyola, Gary Medel, Paulo Díaz, Gabriel Suazo; Víctor Méndez, Charles Aranguiz; Rodrigo Echeverría, Diego Valdés, Ben Brereton Díaz; Alexis Sánchez. Coach: Eduardo Berizzo.
- Venezuela’s starting XI: Rafael Romo; Alexander González, Yordan Osorio, Wilker Ángel, Miguel Navarro; Eduard Bello, José Martínez, Yangel Herrera; Samuel Sosa, Salomón Rondón, Yeferson Soteldo. Coach: Fernando Batista.
All sources note the significance of this result within the broader context of South American qualifying campaigns, where the path to the World Cup in North America remains highly competitive and tightly contested. (Goal)