The soccer team of Ecuador will face Venezuela in the fifth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Both teams will play their 32nd match, since the first friendly match in 1938.

La Tricolor has a positive history in its commitment to Vinotint. In 31 meetings, La Tri won 15 opportunities, tied five and lost 11 times. Furthermore, in all those matches he scored 56 goals and conceded 34.

‘Taking away points is a disadvantage, but Ecuador must win the classification on the field of play’

In the qualifying cycles, not counting friendly matches and the Copa América, the national team met 16 times (eight in each country). Likewise, Ecuador has a favorable record nine wins, two draws and five losses.

This is the Monumental stadium in Maturín where Venezuela and Ecuador will play

The last time these teams clashed was during the qualification process for Qatar 2022 on November 11, 2021. Then La Tri beat Vinotinto 1-0 with a goal from Piero Hincapié after an assist from Gonzalo Plata.

While the last match was on Venezuelan territory, the result was in favor of the home team. At that time, Vinotinto was directed by Leonardo González, and Tricolor by Gustavo Alfaro.

In that match, Venezuela defeated Ecuador 2-1 with goals from Darwin Machís and Eduardo Bello. Enner Valencia scored the penalty for the Tricolore.

The team of Spanish coach Félix Sánchez Bas will try to beat Vinotinto at home, which has not been possible since 2015. On that occasion, the team led by Gustavo Quinteros celebrated with incredible 3-1 goals from Fidel Martínez, Jefferson Montero and Felipe Caicedo. (D)