Brazil will temporarily move into second place in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings if they beat Venezuela in Thursday’s international match.

The Selecao have recovered from a tough start to the 2026 qualifying process, with four wins from the past four putting them comfortably back in the mix as they look to secure a place in the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Venezuela is also very much in the hunt for a qualifying spot, with the top six in the standings at the end of the qualifying phase all guaranteed a place in the group stage of the tournament in 19 months’ time. In seventh place they could also reach the final, although in that case they would have to endure an intercontinental play-off.

The Sporting News provides live score updates for this match.

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Score Venezuela vs Brazil

Starting lineups:

Venezuela (4-2-3-1, from right to left): 22. Rafael Romo (GK) — 4. Jon Aramburu, 3. Wilker Angel, 14. Ruben Ramirez, 15. Miguel Navarro — 6. Yangel Herrera, 13. Jose Martinez — 20. Eduard Bello, 7. Jefferson Savarino, 16. Jhon Murillo – 23. Salomon Rondon

Brazil (4-2-3-1, from right to left): 23. Ederson (GK) — 13. Vanderson, 4. Marquinhos, 14. Gabriel Magalhaes, 16. Abner — 15. Gerson, 5. Bruno Guimaraes — 20. Savinho, 10. Raphinha, 7. Vinicius Junior — 9. Igor Jesus

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2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying Rankings

After a difficult start to this qualifying process, Brazil has steadied the ship and is in fourth place after ten games. Venezuela is eighth, but only two points outside the top five.

Venezuela vs. Brazil predicted lineups, team news

The most notable absence for La Vinotinto is the starting defenseman Jordan Osoriowho has been missing from Italian Parma since he suffered a back injury during the previous international break.

They are also without a backup goalkeeper Joel Graterolwho tore his patellar tendon in early October while playing for his club, Colombian giants America de Cali.

Venezuela has seemingly moved away from experienced veterans Josef Martinez And Roberto Rosalesas neither has received a call-up since being left out of the Copa America squad.

Venezuela starting lineup (4-2-3-1, from right to left): Romo (GK) — Aramburu, Angel, Ramirez, Navarro — Herrera, Martinez — Bello, Savarino, Murillo — Rondon

Venezuela subtitles: Farinez, Ferraresi, Makoun, Rincon, Cadiz, Segovia, Machis, Baroja, Andrade, Casseres Jr.

Injured: Osorio (back), Graterol (knee).
Suspended: No.

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Brazilian coach Dorival confirmed to his team during his pre-match press conference: Vinicius Junior will start instead of Rodrygo in the only change from the 4-0 win over Peru in October.

In addition to the continued absence of Neymarwho is still on the injured list, are the most notable names missing for Brazil Rodrygo and Real Madrid teammate Eder Militao, both of whom suffered serious injuries during their recent victory over Osasuna last weekend. Rodrygo picked up a thigh problem and will be sidelined for over a month, while Militao has torn his cruciate ligament again, meaning the defender will be sidelined for a long period.

Militao joins his fellow Brazil defender Bremer and Flamengo striker Pedro in the long term, with both having suffered the same knee injury in recent months.

The goalkeeper is also injured Alisson, who remains absent from Liverpool’s action with a hamstring tear Yan Couto was not called up because he had only just returned to action for Borussia Dortmund after a month-long muscle injury.

Brazil starting lineup (4-2-3-1, from right to left): Ederson (GK) — Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner — Gerson, Guimaraes — Savinho, Raphinha, Vinicius — Jesus

Brazil subtitles: Weverton, Danilo, Ortiz, Arana, Paqueta, Martinelli, Bento, Murillo, Andre, Pereira, Luiz Henrique, Estevao

Injured: Rodrygo (thigh), Militao (ACL), Neymar (hamstring), Alisson (hamstring), Bremer (ACL), Pedro (ACL), Couto (fitness).
Suspended: No.

What time is Venezuela vs. Brazil kick-off?

This FIFA World Cup qualifying match takes place on Estadio Monumental de Maturín in Maturín, Venezuela and starts 5:00 PM local time.

Here’s how that start time translates in some of the major global areas:

Statistics Venezuela vs Brazil, head-to-head record

This will be the 31st meeting of these teams. Unsurprisingly, Brazil boast a superior record, with 24 wins and just two losses from those first 30 matches.