Uzbekistan vs Venezuela – News and Probable Lineups

Hosting nation Uzbequistão will clash with Venezuela at Milliy Stadion as both vie for top honors in the final international friendly of their FIFA Series.

The White Wolves are eager to capitalize on their recent victory, while La Vinotinto aims to maintain their perfect record heading into 2026.

Match overview

Under the guidance of Italian football icon Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbequistão arrives at this fixture in fine form, having suffered only one defeat since a 3-2 loss to Catar in World Cup qualifying back in November 2024.

This period has seen them enjoy a five-match unbeaten streak since their narrow 2-1 loss against Uruguai in a friendly on October 13, which was recently enhanced by a solid 3-1 victory over Gabão on Friday.

In that encounter, Gabão took an early lead through Teddy Averlant of Amiens, but the response from Eldor Shomurodov and Jakhongir Urozov before and after half-time, along with a stoppage-time goal from Alisher Odilov, secured the comeback for Cannavaro’s side.

With that win, Uzbequistão sits second in the standings, tied on three points with their rival, and with the series only consisting of two rounds, the White Wolves will be keen to secure a home victory to bolster their spirits ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

With this goal in mind, the hosts can take confidence from their record of winning four out of their last five home matches, which includes an impressive 2-0 win over Egito on November 14.

On the other hand, Venezuela did not qualify for this summer’s World Cup, but after a strong performance last time out, they have an opportunity to salvage some respect by finishing at the top of this FIFA Series.

Oswaldo Vizcarrondo’s team earned a thrilling 4-1 comeback victory against Trinidad e Tobago on Friday, though they faced a scare early in the match.

Levi Garcia from the Soca Warriors missed a penalty just two minutes in, and Reon Moore put Trinidad e Tobago ahead soon after the break, which seemed to spell trouble for La Vinotinto.

Nevertheless, Venezuela’s Delvin Alfonzo and Salomon Rondon each scored twice in a dominant last thirty minutes to secure all three points for their nation, heightening the anticipation for Monday’s clash with Uzbequistão.

While Vizcarrondo’s players are aiming for first place, Friday’s triumph marked only their second victory in seven matches—a stretch that includes a concerning five defeats—making their chances of consecutive wins uncertain, as they haven’t managed back-to-back victories since defeating Bolívia 2-0 in June 2025.

Team News

In an effort to finish at the top as hosts, Uzbequistão may choose to deploy a back three consisting of Jakhongir Urozov, Rustam Ashurmatov, and Umar Eshmuradov, to protect goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.

Cannavaro might also consider having Odildzhon Khamrobekov and Otabek Shukurov control the midfield area, while Khozhiakbar Alizhonov and Sherzod Nasrullaev could provide width from the wing-back positions.

In more advanced roles, Azizjon Ganiev and Oston Urunov are expected to play behind Istanbul Basaksehir striker Eldor Shomurodov, who contributed both a goal and an assist against Gabão.

For Venezuela, they will miss Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira on Monday, but Gustavo Gonzalez, Jorge Yriarte, and Andrusw Araujo are anticipated to step in during his absence.

In addition, goalkeeper Jesus Camargo could start after coming on for Cristopher Varela against Trinidad e Tobago.

Uzbequistão probable starting XI:

Yusupov; Urozov, Ashurmatov, Eshmuradov; Alizhonov, Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Ganiev, Urunov; Shomurodov

Venezuela probable starting XI:

Camargo; Alfonzo, Aramburu, Osio, Balbo; Gonzalez, Yriarte, Araujo; Mendoza, Rondon, Lamadrid

Recently, Uzbequistão has shown their tenacity, and they will be eager to secure all three points at home to claim the top position in the series as they prepare for the World Cup.

On the other hand, although Venezuela achieved a notable comeback against Trinidad e Tobago, it may be challenging for them to recover in the upcoming match if they start sluggishly once again.