Venezuela vs Australia at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston on Friday, November 14, 2025, marking only the second all-time meeting between these nations in this international friendly. La Vinotinto, heartbroken after falling just two points short of World Cup 2026 qualification in CONMEBOL play, looks to regroup and focus on the road to the 2030 tournament.
Meanwhile, the Socceroos—having already secured their sixth straight World Cup spot—aim to keep their momentum going with high-energy, attacking Soccer.
This encounter represents Venezuela’s opportunity for redemption after a disappointing qualifying campaign, while Australia’s continued momentum against non-traditional opponents suggests the visitors will hold a clear competitive edge.
Venezuela vs Australia – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
- Tournament: International Friendly – November 2025 International Window
- Match Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
- Kickoff Time:
- USA: 8:00 PM CT / 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
- Europe: 2:00 AM GMT (Saturday, November 15) / 3:00 AM CET
- Local (Houston, Texas): 8:00 PM CT
- Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas (Capacity: 22,039)
- Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Venezuela: L L L L W W
- Australia: L W W W W W
Team Form & Recent Performance – Venezuela vs Australia
Venezuela’s hopes of reaching a first-ever World Cup ended in disappointment: La Vinotinto finished 8th in the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 18 points from 18 matches, falling two points short of the playoff spot. Their campaign unravelled late in the schedule, most notably after a 3–6 home defeat to Colombia and a 3–0 loss to Argentina, results that ultimately ended qualification math.
The fallout was immediate. The Venezuelan Football Federation dismissed head coach Fernando Batista following the final qualifying day defeat, and the national set-up is now in transition as officials consider their next steps ahead of upcoming friendlies.
Venezuela arrive at this friendly off a run of poor form — they suffered a 1–0 friendly defeat to Argentina in Miami on 11 October — and face clear defensive questions after conceding 28 goals across their 18 qualifying matches.
The squad still contains experienced names, led by Salomón Rondón (Venezuela’s all-time top scorer), who moved on loan to Real Oviedo in the summer. Rondón remains the side’s focal point up front.
Australia, by contrast, has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the Socceroos finished second in AFC Group C with 19 points and booked a place at the Finals — and come into this friendly with a largely positive recent record.
Tony Popovic’s side saw a long unbeaten run end with a 2–1 friendly defeat to the United States in October, but overall, the squad has depth and several Europe-based defenders and attackers to call on.
Last 5 Matches & Results Summary
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Win–Draw–Loss Record |
|---|---|---|
| Venezuela | vs Argentina (L) · vs Colombia (L) · vs Chile (L) · vs Peru (L) · vs Brazil (D) | 0W–1D–4L |
| Australia | vs USA (L) · vs Canada (W) · vs Japan (D) · vs China PR (W) · vs Jordan (W) | 3W–1D–1L |
Head-to-Head Record – Venezuela vs Australia
Venezuela and Australia have met only once previously in international Soccer a friendly that ended 1-1 on February 18, 2004, in Caracas. In that match, Paul Agostino scored for Australia before Juan Arango’s late equaliser rescued Venezuela a draw.
This upcoming fixture will mark only the second-ever clash between the two nations. While Venezuela has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, Australia has secured qualification for six consecutive tournaments since 2006 — underscoring the gap in their competitive histories.
Overall All-Time Record
| Metric | Venezuela | Australia | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 1 | — | — |
| Wins | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Win % | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Total Goals For | 1 | 1 | — |
Previous Meeting
| Date | Competition | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Feb 2004 | International Friendly | Venezuela vs Australia | Draw | 1–1 |
Venezuela vs Australia Predicted Lineups
Based on current squad availability, recent tactical preferences, and friendly match selections, here are the expected starting elevens:
Venezuela Starting XI (4-4-2):
- Contreras; Hernandez, Ferraresi, Quintero, Milani; Lacava, Segovia, Casseres Jr., Mendoza; Anor, Marques
Australia Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Ryan; Iredale, Degenek, Burgess; Miller, Irvine, Metcalfe, Overy; McGree, Goodwin; D’Agostino
Players to Watch – Venezuela vs Australia
Venezuela Standout Performers
- Salomón Rondón: The legendary 36-year-old striker and Venezuela’s all-time top scorer with 48 international goals carries La Vinotinto’s offensive burden despite advancing age. Rondón has demonstrated remarkable longevity, recently completing a successful stint with River Plate in Argentina, where he contributed 10 goals in 34 appearances. His experience, positioning, and penalty-taking reliability make him dangerous despite physical decline. Friday represents a crucial opportunity for Rondón to reignite confidence after Venezuela’s qualifying collapse.
- Wuilker Fariñez: The goalkeeper and Venezuela captain provides leadership and shot-stopping ability that will be tested by Australia’s attacking threats. Fariñez’s distribution and penalty-kick handling could prove decisive if the match reaches competitive intensity.
- Jhon Murillo: The attacking midfielder provides creative spark and pressing intensity that could disrupt Australia’s rhythm. Murillo’s passing range and ability to orchestrate transitions represent Venezuela’s primary attacking pathway.
Australia Key Threats
- Harry Souttar: The Sheffield United center-back anchors Australia’s defensive structure with positioning, aerial dominance, and leadership. Souttar’s elite Premier League experience and consistency provide Australia with championship-level defensive organization against Venezuela’s scattered attacking efforts.
- Ajdin Hrustic: The Heracles midfielder has delivered 4 assists in 10 Eredivisie matches this season, providing creative spark from deep positions. Hrustic’s passing range, work rate, and ability to dictate tempo make him essential to Australia’s midfield control. His penalty-shootout heroics during World Cup qualifying demonstrate big-game mentality.
- Brandon Borrello: The Western Sydney Wanderers attacker provides pace, pressing intensity, and goal-scoring threat that could trouble Venezuela’s depleted defense. Borrello’s willingness to take on defenders from deep positions creates offensive unpredictability.
Match Preview & Tactical Analysis
Australia will take charge of possession and lead the attacking plays. Venezuela should focus on strengthening its defensive organization, as redemption could spark resistance.
The tactical mismatch favors Australia, a World Cup-qualified team with solid organization, against a side eliminated from playoff contention and emotionally drained.
- Prediction: Venezuela 1–2 Australia
How to Watch Venezuela vs Australia Live
Watch the Venezuela vs Australia International Friendly live with these broadcasting options:
| Region | Broadcaster | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Telemundo / Spanish-language broadcast | 8:00 PM CT |
| Australia | SBS / Streaming services | 7:00 AM AEDT (Sat, Nov 15) |
| Venezuela | Streaming services / Venevisión | 8:00 PM VET |
| Canada | Streaming services | 9:00 PM ET |
| United Kingdom | Streaming services | 2:00 AM GMT (Sat, Nov 15) |
| India | Streaming services | 7:30 AM IST (Sat, Nov 15) |