Prediction: Venezuela vs Canada

Verdict: Venezuela win

Best odds: 157/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Venezuela and Canada will square off at AT&T Stadium from Arlington, Texas aiming to reach the semifinals of the Copa America. Playing at one of the largest stadiums in the USA, the fans are expected to fill the stands to their maximum capacity and create a volcanic atmosphere during the entire game.

Venezuela

Although Venezuela was not tipped to impress this time at Copa America, La Vinotino’s journey is quite impressive. Starting their campaign with a crucial win against Ecuador, Venezuela maintained a high tempo during the group phase by claiming the top spot after defeating Mexico and Jamaica.

The Copa America results weren’t surprising as the hosts performed admirably in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers’ games, suffering a single defeat, despite facing strong opponents like Chile and Brazil. With a record of 2 wins, 3 draws and a single defeat, Venezuela sits 4th with 9 points boosting a great chance to reach the 2026 final tournament.

However, despite impressing defensively after averaging less than a goal conceded in the last 8 competitive games, Venezuela’s Copa America preparations were concerning as La Vitino lost against Colombia and Italy and settled for a stalemate with Guatemala. Although the Venezuelan press raised some concerns regarding the team’s latest displays before travelling to the USA, manager Sergio Batista brushed all rumours with a perfect record in the group stage.

Despite progressing to the quarter-finals with one game spare, Venezuela defended their status by playing their best football in this tournament in the last match against Jamaica. Although a lack of focus occurred in the first half with many chances missed, Venezuela’s second-half masterclass was enough to demolish Jamaica (3-0 final score).

Looking to achieve glory in the most prestigious national football team tournament from the Southern Empishere, Venezuela can match their best performance (4th place) if they defeat Canada. Besides, with Argentina tipped to overcome Ecuador in the other quarter-final, La Vitino’s players will be eager to play against the World Cup champions.

Team News

Sergio Batista is expected to line up an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation by putting early pressure on Canada’s defence. Proving to be a key piece from Batista’s set-up, Salomon Rondon is expected to produce another great performance after scoring two goals and assisting one. Furthermore, his upfront partner Eric Ramirez will aim to get his name on the scoreboard as he did against Jamaica.

Canada

Despite being tipped to claim the second spot with Argentina as the dominant force in Group A, Canada kept their fans’ heart rates high as the visitors secured their quarter-final access in the last match. Although The Reds faced an out-of-form Chile, a goalless stalemate kept the adrenaline until the final whistle.

However, Canada displayed its limits against Chile. While playing more than 60 minutes with an extra player after Gabriel Suazo’s red card, the North American side failed to score and was lucky not to concede from any of Chile’s six shots on target. Furthermore, a similar scenario repeated against Peru when Canada played with an extra man and succeeded in scoring the only goal in this tournament.

Also, losing to Argentina in the opening game (2-0) we can say the visitors had luck in this tournament by achieving a doubtful qualification with a single goal scored and playing against two of their opponents with an extra man for an extended time. Despite boasting great quality upfront, former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch failed to get the best out of Lille’s superstar Jonathan David.

While Canada should be worried about Venezuela’s form, the H2H history points to a tough contest between the two sides as it happened in the only two games played before that ended undecided. Also after the USA shock exit, Canada remains the only team to defend the honour of the North American continent.

Team News

Lethargic during the group round, Jesse Marsch’s team needs to do better to beat Venezuela. Despite grave concerns about the opposition’s box’s accuracy, Canada doesn’t appear to be able to close this disadvantage.

Key factors to consider

• Venezuela reached the Copa America quarter-final in great style with a perfect record in the group stage (3 wins)
• The hosts are favourites to edge Canada and reach the semifinals for the 2nd time in their history
• Canada disappointed this time with a lack of energy and misfiring in the group phase and scoring a single goal
• The visitors benefited from many favourable circumstances to reach this stage by playing with extra men against Chile and Peru

Conclusion

While Canada failed to impress scoring a single goal in the tournament, Venezuela reached the quarter-finals in great fashion by winning all games in the group stage. Although a  tight contest is expected to unfold at AT&T Stadium, Venezuela’s upfront quality should be enough to edge The Reds.

Verdict: Venezuela win

Best odds: 157/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet