Argentina 3-0 Venezuela: Leo Messi’s Brace Hands ARG Victory
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- 05.09.2025
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Argentina 3-0 Venezuela: Leo Messi’s Brace Hands ARG Victory
Argentina vs Venezuela & FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers:
Argentina vs Venezuela: World Cup Qualifier Match Preview
The highly anticipated Argentina vs Venezuela World Cup qualifier match is more than just a routine fixture—it is a crucial game for both nations in the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi and a host of world-class stars, are the reigning world champions and enter the qualifiers as strong favorites. Venezuela, however, has shown resilience in recent games and hopes to pull off an upset.
The match is set to be played under high intensity as both teams fight for important qualification points. Argentina will focus on maintaining their unbeaten record in qualifiers, while Venezuela is targeting a historic qualification to the World Cup for the first time in their history.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Table (South America – CONMEBOL)
In South America, the qualifiers follow a round-robin format where all 10 CONMEBOL nations face each other home and away. The top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team advances to the intercontinental playoffs.
| Position | Team | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 15 | +10 |
| 2 | Brazil | 13 | +7 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 12 | +5 |
| 4 | Colombia | 11 | +3 |
| 5 | Ecuador | 10 | +2 |
| 6 | Chile | 9 | 0 |
| 7 | Venezuela | 8 | -2 |
| 8 | Peru | 5 | -5 |
| 9 | Paraguay | 4 | -6 |
| 10 | Bolivia | 2 | -12 |
Note: Table above is an illustration for analysis purposes. Official updates are available on FIFA’s website.
World Cup Qualifier in Europe
Europe (UEFA) has a different qualification format. With 55 nations competing, teams are divided into 10 groups. The winners of each group automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Runners-up move into playoffs, where they face off with top-performing Nations League teams for the remaining spots.
Key European powerhouses like France, Germany, Spain, England, and Italy are expected to dominate their groups, though upsets are always possible highlighting the competitiveness of UEFA qualifiers.
World Cup 2026 Qualifying Groups Explained
The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the first edition with 48 teams. This expansion means that each confederation has more slots:
- UEFA (Europe): 16 slots
- CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots (+1 playoff)
- CONCACAF (North America): 6 slots (+2 playoffs)
- CAF (Africa): 9 slots (+1 playoff)
- AFC (Asia): 8 slots (+1 playoff)
- OFC (Oceania): 1 slot (+1 playoff)
This expansion has given more nations hope of qualifying for the world’s biggest sporting event. For example, teams from Africa and Asia now have higher chances of making history by reaching the finals.
Which Group Is Nigeria In for World Cup 2026?
Nigeria, one of Africa’s football powerhouses, has been drawn into a competitive qualifying group under the CAF format. Nigeria’s group includes South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
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Only the top team from each CAF group qualifies directly for the World Cup, while the four best second-placed teams enter playoff rounds. Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be looking to secure their seventh World Cup appearance by topping the group.
How Do You Qualify for the FIFA World Cup?
Qualification depends on the confederation:
- Europe (UEFA): Group winners qualify directly; playoffs decide extra slots.
- South America (CONMEBOL): Top six teams qualify; seventh goes to playoff.
- Africa (CAF): Group winners qualify; best runners-up compete for playoff spot.
- Asia (AFC): Teams go through multiple group stages; top finishers qualify.
- North America (CONCACAF): Hosts (USA, Mexico, Canada) qualify automatically; others battle in group stages.
- Oceania (OFC): Group winner qualifies; runner-up enters playoff.
Teams qualify by finishing in the top positions of their groups or winning playoff matches, depending on their region.
Is Lionel Messi Playing in the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers?
Yes, Lionel Messi is actively playing in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers for Argentina. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Messi remains instrumental to Argentina’s qualification campaign.
He has publicly stated that 2026 could be his final World Cup, but he continues to deliver iconic performances, scoring vital goals and assisting his teammates. His presence not only boosts Argentina’s chances but also ensures global fan excitement every time Argentina plays.
