Uruguay near World Cup qualification with win over Venezuela
Uruguay took a step closer to securing a 2026 World Cup spot with a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario on Tuesday, a victory which also snapped a four-match winless run in South American qualifiers.
Uruguay dominated much of the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Venezuelan defence until Rodrigo Aguirre put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute, heading in at the far post from a Maxi Araujo corner.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay's lead just two minutes into the second half, firing a superb shot into the top-left corner to seal a win that secures Marcelo Bielsa's side of at least an inter-confederation playoff berth.
⏭️ CONMEBOL #FIFAWorldCup qualifying is up next!#WeAre26
— Fifa World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 10, 2025
In other qualifiers, Colombia led already-qualified Argentina 1-0 at halftime thanks to a Luis Díaz goal, while second-placed Ecuador can secure a World Cup spot if they avoid defeat in Peru.
In Sao Paulo, Paraguay will qualify with a win or a draw against Brazil, while the hosts can book their place in the tournament with a victory.
🇺🇾 ¡𝙂𝘼𝙉𝙊́ 𝙐𝙍𝙐𝙂𝙐𝘼𝙔!@Uruguay 2-0 @SeleVinotinto
— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) June 11, 2025
⚽️ Rodrigo Aguirre
⚽️ Giorgian de Arrascaeta
📌 Eliminatorias Copa Mundial de la Fifa 26™️
📺 https://t.co/l3PMoeXsVm#ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/QfCBTEpkoq
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