Venezuela and Australia face off at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday. This international friendly is an important chance for Australia to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Venezuela look to rebuild after a difficult qualifying campaign. Venezuela have struggled in recent games, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Argentina. A game that Argentina’s Scaloni talked about his confidence in his team depth, as reported by SoftFootball
Australia arrive in strong form. The Socceroos have qualified for the World Cup as runners-up in AFC Group C and are enjoying a confident run under Tony Popovic. Their recent performances, including wins over Canada and New Zealand, show a disciplined team that balances defense and attack.
Venezuela, in contrast, are on a rough patch, having lost four consecutive matches and failed to win in 12 of their last 14. Interim manager Fernando Aristeguieta has experimented with a 3-4-3 formation, but the results have yet to improve, with heavy defeats to Colombia and Argentina exposing defensive frailties.
Team News
Venezuela will miss key players, including Jefferson Savarino, Jesús Bueno, and Pablo Añor, due to club commitments. Injuries have also sidelined Jon Aramburu and Jovanny Bolívar. Ronald Hernández is expected to start at right-back, joining Nahuel Ferraresi, Teófilo Quintero, and Alessandro Milani in defense.
Australia’s 26-player squad includes six uncapped players. Young talents like James Overy could make their debuts alongside Al Hassan Toure, Paul Okon-Englister, Kai Trewin, and Patrick Beach. Maty Ryan and Paul Izzo are competing for the goalkeeper role.
Australia, via their official X account, shared a comprehensive look at their tomorrow’s match, showing the Socceroos training as they prepare and get ready for Venezuela’s challenge.
Check the post below:
Possible Lineups
Venezuela (4-4-2): Contreras; Hernandez, Ferraresi, Quintero, Milani; Lacava, Segovia, Casseres Jr., Mendoza; Anor, Marques.
Australia (3-4-2-1): Ryan; Iredale, Degenek, Burgess; Miller, Irvine, Metcalfe, Overy; McGree, Goodwin; D’Agostino.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Australia’s form and squad depth give them the edge. Expect a controlled game with disciplined defense and quick transitions, likely seeing the Socceroos win 2-0.
