Uruguay vs Venezuela Preview, Prediction, News, Lineups: 11/6/2025

A pivotal clash in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to unfold as Uruguay welcomes Venezuela to the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, holds significant weight for both sides. Uruguay, currently fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, seeks to solidify its qualification hopes, while Venezuela, positioned seventh, remains in contention and eyes a major upset on foreign soil.

Uruguay Overview

Led by head coach Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay enters the match with 21 points from 15 games. Their campaign has featured solid home performances, yielding four victories, two draws, and one loss at the Centenario. Despite a 2-0 defeat away to Paraguay in their last fixture, Uruguay remains a strong contender, boasting a positive goal differential of +5 and a generally balanced display between defense and attack.

Key figures such as Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez are expected to play central roles in Bielsa’s high-tempo system, which relies on pressing and quick transitions. Uruguay’s tally of 17 goals scored and 12 conceded reflects their ability to compete at both ends of the pitch. As they look to bounce back, a home fixture against a traditionally weaker traveling side offers a timely opportunity to regain momentum.

Venezuela Overview

Venezuela arrives in Montevideo facing significant challenges. The squad, under the direction of coach Fernando Batista, holds 15 points after 14 matches. Their away form has been particularly troubling, with five defeats and no wins on the road so far in this qualifying cycle. Despite this, a 2-0 home victory over Bolivia in their most recent outing may provide a boost in confidence.

With an overall record of three wins, six draws, and five losses, Venezuela remains mathematically in the race but will need to overcome its travel struggles to stay competitive. The team has netted 13 goals and conceded 17, suggesting issues in both finishing and defensive discipline when under pressure. Batista has attempted to impose a more structured approach, but translating that into points away from home has proven difficult.

Head-to-head and historical perspective

In their last direct encounter, Uruguay and Venezuela played out a goalless draw, indicating a tightly contested rivalry. Over their past five meetings in all competitions, Uruguay has claimed two wins, while the other three have ended in stalemates. Venezuela has not managed a victory over Uruguay in this period, and that trend may factor into the psychological aspect of the upcoming match.

Odds and betting insights

Bookmakers currently favor a Uruguay win, offering odds of 1.54 for a home victory. A draw is priced at 3.97, while an away win for Venezuela sees long odds at 8.35. The prediction market also leans toward only one team scoring, largely due to Venezuela’s underwhelming offensive output away from home and Uruguay’s defensive consistency. The odds for both teams not to score stand at 1.43.

Given the context, bettors may also consider Uruguay to win with a handicap or explore markets such as clean sheets and total goals under 2.5. Sites offering welcome bonuses and promotional free bets could provide added value for those looking to wager on this high-stakes fixture.

Prediction

As the qualification campaign nears its decisive phase, both teams face mounting pressure. Uruguay, placed firmly in contention, has the advantage of home support and a more proven system under Bielsa. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s challenge will be not only tactical but also mental, as they aim to defy a difficult record in away qualifiers.

A strong result for Uruguay would enhance their prospects of direct qualification to the World Cup, while a loss for Venezuela could significantly hinder their pathway to a playoff berth. With stakes elevated and little margin for error, both sides are expected to approach the match with urgency and calculated intensity.

Prediction: Uruguay 2–0 Venezuela