International
2026-06-09 - Iraq vs Venezuela
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : World: International FriendlyTuesday 9th June 2026, 2000hrs (local)
A lengthy and gruelling qualification campaign in the Asian section saw Iraq progress through to one of the intercontinental play-offs where they emerged victorious over South American counterparts with a 2-1 win against Bolivia.
Since that win which secured qualification into this upcoming edition of the World Cup spread across USA, Canada and Mexico, Iraq have also registered a 1-0 victory over Andorra before managing to hold the number 2 ranked nation in the FIFA standings, Spain, with a 1-1 draw.
That latter result against one of the world’s powerhouses will certainly give Graham Arnold and his side plenty of confidence as they prepare for this final warm-up game against another South American nation that didn’t qualify, Venezuela.
Venezuela finished their South American World Cup qualifying campaign sitting in 8th place in the final standings of the CONMEBOL table where they were edged out by 7th placed Bolivia by a two-point margin.
Nevertheless, Venezuela’s 8th place finish this time around in the World Cup qualifying campaign represented an improvement in fortunes for La Vinotinto and the rebuilding process for the next qualifying phase will get underway on Tuesday night against Iraq.
Results overall have been pretty ordinary where Venezuela have been concerned as the ‘visitors’ have managed to collect just two wins within their last nine matches but also includes being handed no fewer than seven defeats as well.
The Betting Verdict
Iraq and Venezuela have never met before in any sort of competition but recent results suggest Iraq are better placed to avoid defeat than their South American counterparts, as well as recording that recent morale-boosting draw with Spain.
The Pick :
Iraq 1-1 Venezuela
