Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Venezuela and Brazil go head to head at Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. The Selecao aim to cement top position in the standings, and we are positive that they will adopt an attack-minded approach in Friday’s clash. In-form Basel attacker Arthur has received a call-up, while Leeds United ace Raphinha is set to make his Brazil debut. Everton attacker Richarlison and Cunha of Atletico Madrid are both sidelined with injuries.
As always, a man to watch in the away team will be PSG superstar Neymar. La Vinotinto, on the other hand, will be without important players Salomon Rondon, Yangel Herrera, and Josef Martinez in Friday’s qualifier, which is yet another reason why we predict Brazil will keep their 100% record intact. A man to watch in the home team will be Toronto man Yeferson Soteldo.
Highlighted Player (Josef Martinez):
Josef Martinez started his senior career at Caracas, but he made no more than 36 league appearances for the Venezuelan outfit from 2010 to 2012. Martinez then moved to Europe and the 170-cm tall striker scored 4 goals in 34 appearances for the capital club. In the 2013/2014 season he played for fellow Swiss outfit Thun (on loan) and on June 7, 2014 he signed a contract with Serie A team Torino.
In December, 2017 Josef Martinez scored his first ever goal in the Italian top flight in a 2-2 draw with Palermo. The Venezuela international currently plays (on loan) for Atlanta United in MLS and he made his debut for Gerardo Martino’s team against New York Red Bulls. Speaking of his international career, Martinez made his Venezuela debut against El Salvador, coming from the bench after 76 minutes.
On November 10, 2016 he scored a hat-trick for La Vinotinto in a thrilling 5-0 victory over Bolivia and it has to be noted that he has four caps (two goals) for Venezuela U20 team.
Highlighted Team (Brazil):
One of the most decorated teams in world football, Selecao have also been regarded as one of the most attractive and exciting teams with glowing reputation preceding them. Members of the CONMEBOL confederation, Brazil have played their first international in 1914 losing to bitter rivals Argentina with a comfortable 3-0 margin.
Brazil is the most successful nation in the FIFA World Cup with five championship title to their name. However, Selecao failed to advance past the quarter-finals of the last two tournaments last winning their World Cup in 2002. Their last title was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the star-studded team will be looking to get back to winning ways at this year’s historic Copa America Centenario in the United States.
Legendary Pele is Brazil’s top scorer with 77 goals to his name, while the team’s biggest star of the modern era Barcelona forward Neymar is sitting in fifth place having so far netted 46.