Venezuela 3-6 Colombia, FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Los Cafeteros Win Nine-Goal Thriller

Colombia celebrated a resounding 6-3 win over Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL Qualifiers match at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin. Venezuela struck first through Telasco Segovia in the 3rd minute, but Colombia levelled via Yerry Mina’s header. Josef Martinez’s goal two minutes later restored the hosts’ lead. Then, Colombia’s Luis Suarez turned up with a four-goal masterclass, scoring four times in 25 minutes (42’, 50’, 59’, 67’) to take the match out of Venezuela’s grasp. Salomon Rondon pulled one back in the 76th minute, but Jhon Cordoba scored two minutes later to restore the three-goal lead and knock Venezuela out of the intercontinental playoff.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 10 September 2025 1:11 pm

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_Luis Díaz

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Luis Díaz embraces Jhon Córdoba after Córdoba scored the sixth goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifying match in Maturín, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_Jose Martínez

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela's Jose Martínez sits after a World Cup 2026 qualifying loss to Colombia in Maturín, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_Fernando Batista

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela's coach Fernando Batista gestures during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Colombia in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_ Luis Suarez

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Luis Suarez celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_ Salomon Rondon

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela's Salomon Rondon, right, holds Colombia's Richard Rios during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela's Salomon Rondon, left, and Colombia's Yerry Mina battle for the ball during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_ James Rodriguez

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela's Yeferson Soteldo, left, and Colombia's James Rodriguez vie for the ball during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_ Wilker Angel

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Venezuela's Wilker Angel celebrates after teammate Telasco Segovia scored their side's second goal against Colombia during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying soccer match Venezuela vs Colombia_Yerry Mina

FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Yerry Mina celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.

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FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers: Venezuela vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Yerry Mina celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match in Maturin, Venezuela.