Uruguay close in on World Cup qualification with 2-0 win over Venezuela
MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay moved a step closer to securing a place at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario on Tuesday — a result that also ended a four-match winless streak 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 in front in the 42nd minute, heading home 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 guarantees Marcelo Bielsa's side at least an inter-confederation play-off berth.
In other qualifiers, Colombia led already-qualified Argentina 1-0 at half-time thanks to a goal from Luis Díaz, while second-placed Ecuador can secure a World Cup spot if they avoid defeat in Peru.
In São Paulo, Paraguay will qualify with either a win or a draw against Brazil, while the hosts can book their place in the tournament with a victory.
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