Venezuela vs. Brazil live score: World Cup qualifying result, stats as Selecao seek second place in CONMEBOL standings

Brazil will temporarily move second in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings if they defeat Venezuela in Thursday's international match.

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

Venezuela are also very much in the hunt for a qualifying spot, with the top six in the standings at the end of the qualification phase all guaranteed a place in the group stage for the tournament in 19 months' time. Seventh place could also see them reach the finals, although they would need to come through an intercontinental playoff in that instance.

The Sporting News is providing live score updates for this match.

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Venezuela vs. Brazil score

Predicted lineups:

Venezuela (4-2-3-1, right to left): Rafael Romo (GK) — Jon Aramburu, Ruben Ramirez, Nahuel Ferraresi, Miguel Navarro — Yangel Herrera, Cristian Casseres Jr. — Darwin Machis, Jefferson Savarino, Yeferson Soteldo — Salomon Rondon

Brazil (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Abner — Gerson, Bruno Guimaraes — Savinho, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior — Igor Jesus

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CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifying standings

After a rocky start to this qualifying process, Brazil have steadied the ship a little and sit fourth after 10 matches. Venezuela are eighth but only two points outside the top five.

Venezuela vs. Brazil predicted lineups, team news

The most notable absence for La Vinotinto is starting defender Yordan Osorio, who has been missing for Italian side Parma since picking up a back injury in the previous international break.

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

Venezuela have seemingly moved on from experienced veterans Josef Martinez and Roberto Rosales, as neither has received a call-up since being left off the Copa America roster.

Venezuela predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Romo (GK) — Aramburu, Ramirez, Ferraresi, Navarro — Herrera, Casseres — Machis, Savarino, Soteldo — Rondon.

Injured: Osorio (back), Graterol (knee).
Suspended: None.

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Brazil coach Dorival confirmed his team at his pre-match press conference: Vinicius Junior will start in place of Rodrygo in the sole change from the 4-0 win over Peru in October.

In addition to the continued absence of Neymar, who continues to find himself on the injured list, the most notable names missing for Brazil are Rodrygo and Real Madrid teammate Eder Militao, who both picked up serious injuries in their recent win over Osasuna last weekend. Rodrygo picked up a thigh problem and will be sidelined over a month, while Militao has re-torn his ACL which will leave the defender sidelined for a lengthy spell.

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

Also out injured is goalkeeper Alisson, who remains absent from Liverpool action with a hamstring tear, while Yan Couto was not called in having only just returned to action for Borussia Dortmund after a month-long muscle injury.

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

Injured: Rodrygo (thigh), Militao (ACL), Neymar (hamstring), Alisson (hamstring), Bremer (ACL), Pedro (ACL), Couto (fitness).
Suspended: None.

What time does Venezuela vs. Brazil kick off?

This FIFA World Cup qualifying clash takes place at Estadio Monumental de Maturin in Maturin, Venezuela and kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time.

Here's how that kickoff time translates across some of the major global territories:

Venezuela vs. Brazil stats, head-to-head record

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