Abhinav Nair
Argentina will look to return to winning ways in the CONEMBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers when they travel to Venezuela on Thursday.
The reigning World Champions were defeated 2-1 by second-placed Colombia in their previous match, meaning the gap between both sides was reduced to two points on the qualifying rankings.
Venezuela on the other hand were held to a goalless draw by Uruguay in their previous qualifying match and see themselves sixth in the rankings.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here’s how to watch this CONEMBOL World Cup qualifying match in the U.S. and Canada:
TV channel: — 
Live stream: Fanatiz USA, Fanatiz Canada
This game is not available for live TV broadcast for viewers residing in the USA and Canada. Streaming options are available on Fanatiz. 
If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
This CONEMBOL World Cup qualifying clash takes place at Estadio Monumental de Maturin in Maturin, Venezuela and kicks off on Thursday, October 10 at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
Argentina will be without the likes of Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Alejandro Garnacho who had to back out from the squad due to injury issues. Additionally, they will be without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who has been suspended for two games.
However, they will be boosted by the return of skipper and ace Lionel Messi, who is set to feature for Argentina for the first time since the Copa America.
Argentina predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Rulli (GK) —Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico — De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Alvarez — La Martinez, Messi.
Injured: Dybala, Gonzalez, Garnacho
Suspended: E. Martinez
Venezuela will be missing the defensive duo of Teo Quintero and Jhon Chancellor with both players omitted from the squad due to injury problems.
Salomon Rondon will once again be the focal point of Venezuela’s attack, and they will look to him to get anything out of their clash with Argentina.
Venezuela XI (4-5-1, right to left): Romo (GK) — Aramburu, Osorio, Ferraresi, Navarro — Bello, Casseres, J Martinez, Segovia, Soteldo — Rondon.
Injured: Quintero, Chancellor
Suspended: None
Argentina come into this game with history on their side, having won 10 of the 14 clashes between them and Venezuela.
The loss to Colombia should only serve as a blip for Argentina on their journey to booking a ticket for the 2026 World Cup. They should comfortably defeat Venezuela.
All times ET
Thursday, October 11
Friday, October 12
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Abhinav Nair is a content producer for The Sporting News working across global editions.

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