Soteldo Returns as Venezuela Gears Up for Crucial Qualifier Against Peru

The Venezuelan national team will face a crucial match tonight on their road to the 2026 World Cup. In Maturín, the Vinotinto hosts Peru with the obligation to secure three points to remain in direct qualification positions. Fernando Batista has opted for an ambitious lineup, with the return of Yeferson Soteldo to the starting eleven and the experience of Salomón Rondón and Josef Martínez as offensive references.

Venezuela will take the field with: Rafael Romo; Alexander González, Wilker Ángel, Nahuel Ferraresi, Jon Aramburu; Yangel Herrera, José Martínez, Jefferson Savarino, Yeferson Soteldo; Josef Martínez and Salomón Rondón.

After the defeat against Ecuador in the previous round, the team will look to capitalize on the heat and home advantage in Monagas to regain ground in the standings. The match against Peru, who are coming off a big win against Bolivia, is seen as an early final between two teams fighting to stay in the qualification zone. For the Vinotinto, the return of Soteldo could be crucial to create an imbalance from the start.

• Read more: Peru fights for survival against Venezuela with changes in defense and midfield