Venezuela shone and qualified for the semifinals of the CONMEBOL Copa América Futsal 2026™

• They are the first team to qualify for the semifinals, with one match still to play.
• Arguello scored three goals.

Venezuela became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the CONMEBOL Copa América Futsal 2026™ on Thursday, after claiming their third victory of the tournament.

The Vinotinto dominated the match from start to finish, with Arguello emerging as the standout player. With powerful and well-placed toe-poke finishes, the No. 14 scored three goals against Bolivia.

Oscar Fernández, Vento and an own goal by Lucra completed Venezuela’s scoring, while Gareca and Guzmán found the net for La Verde.

Venezuela reached 9 points and secured their place in the semifinals with one match still to play: on Friday, against Brazil, they will determine whether they finish first or second in Group B. Bolivia, meanwhile, completed the Group Stage, will have a bye on Friday and will play the ninth-place match on Saturday.

Lineups

Venezuela (6): 12-José Villalobos, 4-Greydelvid Teran, 7-Jesús Viamonte, 9-Carlos Vento, 11-Kevin Briceño.

Substitutes: 1-Robert Pérez, 2-Allen Viloria, 3-Oscar Fernández, 5-Michael Gelvez, 6-Victor Carreño, 8-Brayan Sandoval, 10-Rafael Morillo (C), 13-Saimond Francia, 14-Ricxon Arguello.

Head coach: Robinson Romero

Bolivia (2): 2-Ramiro Mendivil (C), 7-Juan Wiza, 9-Yderf Lucra, 10-Joel Guzmán, 11-Shelton Cordero.

Substitutes: 1-José Álvarez, 3-Marco Villegas, 4-Germán Vaca, 5-Saúl Gareca, 6-Angelo Guaqui, 8-Alejandro Choqueticlla, 12-Dorian Fajardo, 13-Alejandro Fajardo, 14-Sebastián Vacaflor.

Head coach: Nelson Pimentel

Goals

1st half: 8’ Arguello (V), 19’ Lucra (own goal – V). Halftime: Venezuela 2-0 Bolivia

2nd half: 4’ Fernández (V), 5’ Gareca (B), 7’ Arguello (V), 9’ Arguello (V), 11’ Vento (V), 18’ Guzmán (B). Final score: Venezuela 6-2 Bolivia

Cards: None.

Referee: Leonel Ruales (Ecuador)