Venezuela took a significant step toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a vital 2-0 victory over Bolivia in the South American qualifiers.

Playing on home soil, Fernando Batista's side got off to the perfect start, capitalizing on an early own goal by Adrián Cuéllar in the 5th minute. The momentum continued when veteran striker Salomón Rondón doubled the lead in the 30th minute, sending the home crowd into celebration.

This win sees La Vinotinto pull four points clear of Bolivia in the standings, solidifying their grip on seventh place — a position that currently secures a spot in the intercontinental play-offs for World Cup 2026.

However, the road ahead is anything but easy. Venezuela must now brace for a daunting finish to the qualifiers, with fixtures looming against continental heavyweights: Uruguay, Argentina, and Colombia.