Sport

Uruguay near World Cup qualification with 2-0 win over Venezuela

Uruguay dominate much of the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Venezuelan defence in the first half

World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Uruguay v Venezuela - Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay - June 10, 2025 Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte, Facundo Pellistri, and Jose Maria Gimenez celebrate after the match REUTERS/Andres Cuenca

Reuters

Published : 11 Jun 2025, 02:20 PM

Updated : 11 Jun 2025, 02:20 PM

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.

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.