Venezuela vs Argentina LIVE: Lineups, match delayed, how to watch 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

According to Venezuelan media, the match will start 30 minutes late due to the bad pitch's conditions. According to what is being reported, Argentina don't want to play if the field isn't in good conditions. 

The coaching staff of both teams were seen talking in the middle of the pitch, as there's concerns regarding the conditions of the field. As we said, there are large water pits. The match will start 15 minutes late. 

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¿SE JUEGA, SE ATRASA O SE SUSPENDE? 🤔 Así está el campo de juego a tan solo 10 minutos de Venezuela - Argentina.

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8:47 PM · Oct 10, 2024

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Lionel Messi returns to Venezuela, a country against he has a pretty good record:

• Played: 11
• Won: 8
• Drawn: 1
• Lost: 2
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 6

Lionel Messi of Argentina (R) and teammate Nicolas Otamendi warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Venezuela and Argentina (Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

Argentina players that cannot get another yellow card if they want to be avoid suspension are: Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovanni Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Ezequiel Palacios, Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel.

Venezuela will play with: Rafael Romo; Jon Aramburu, Yordan Osorio, Nahuel Ferraresi, Alexander González; José Andrés Martínez, Yangel Herrera, Tomás Rincón; Yeferson Soteldo, Salomón Rondón and Jefferson Savarino.

La Albiceleste’s line up to face Venezuela has been confirmed: Geronimo Rulli, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Tagliafico, De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Giovanni Lo Celso, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.

It seems that the heavy rain pouring in Maturin has caused a large water pit on the pitch:

There's a big water pit on the field (via Tyc Sports)

Argentina will play for the first time in this stadium, which is the biggest one in Venezuela, with a capacity for 52,000 people. Maturin is also one of the hottest cities in the Caribbean country, with temperatures expected to be around 91°F. 

A fan of Venezuela cheer for his team prior to the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Venezuela and Uruguay at Estadio Monumental de Maturin

Lionel Scaloni’s side are leading the standings with 18 points, after losing their last match against Colombia in Barranquilla (2-1). Meanwhile, Fernando Batista’s men are sixth in the standings, after drawing their last game vs Uruguay (0-0).

Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera will officiate today's match between La Vinotinto and Argentina. He was one of the referees of the Copa America 2024, however, this will be his first Qualifiers match.

• Referee: Gustavo Tejera
• Assistant 1: Nicolás Tarán
• Assistant 2: Martín Soppi
• Fourth official: Mathias De Armas
• VAR: Cristhian Ferreyra
• AVAR: Richard Trinidad

The clash between Venezuela and Argentina for the Matchday 9 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will kick off at 5:00 PM (ET).

If you want to watch the match between Venezuela and Argentina in the US, one option is Fanatiz USA.

As we wait for the match to start, as it has been delayed due to the water pits on the pitch, we revisit Venezuela's record in Maturin. La Vinotinto have never lost in Estadio Monumental: they have won five games and drawn three.

Welcome to our live blog of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers match between Venezuela and Argentina!

The two teams will face each other at Estadio Monumental de Maturin in Maturin, Venezuela. It’s an important match for both teams, especially La Vinotinto.

Stay with us so you don't miss a single thing with minute by minute updates!