Venezuela One Step from Playoff: Ronald Hernández Ready for Colombia Test

The Venezuelan National Team is fighting hard to earn a playoff spot to contend in the final round of World Cup Qualifying matches in March of 2026. After a tough loss to the reigning champions of Argentina, the Vinotinto looks forward to their match on Tuesday, September 9th against Colombia. If Venezuela wins this match, it will secure their spot in the inter-confederation playoffs next March.

A Venezuelan native and an Atlanta United stalwart, Ronald Hernández has had an unforgettable experience leading up to these crucial, World Cup qualifying matches.  

Photo by Sofia Cupertino

Amid the turbulence of Atlanta United’s 2025 MLS campaign, constant roster shake-ups have created uncertainty across the back line. Once battling simply to keep his place in the XI, Ronald Hernández has firmly cemented his role in recent months. His consistent defensive performances, paired with a growing on-field chemistry with Miguel Almirón down the right flank, have steadied Atlanta’s shape and delivered key results. As the season reaches its decisive stretch, Hernández’s reliability has become a cornerstone in the club’s push to finish strong.

Hernández said after Atlanta United's last match that the previous week was one of the best of his entire soccer career. For the first time since 2022, Hernández was called up to play for his national team in their fight to win a playoff spot in the World Cup Qualifiers. Along with the great news for his national team, he was the sole scorer in Atlanta’s vital win against Nashville on the road, bringing them their first road win of the season and three key points in their ongoing fight to make the playoffs.

Photo by Sofia Cupertino

He recounted the moment of scoring the game-winning goal during a defining moment in his career after the Nashville match.

“It was a very proud moment [for me]. One of my best, so far in my career. Being back to the [Venezuelan] National Team after a while [as well]- it feels very, very nice. My family is very happy.”

Currently in the 7th spot in the South American Qualifying table, Venezuela is trying to hold off Bolivia in the fight to earn a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs. With just a single point lead over La Verde, Venezuela must win its next match to secure its 7th and final place in the playoffs.

This match on Tuesday, September 9th, is against a 5th-place Colombia. With Colombia sealing their spot in next summer's World Cup after beating Bolivia last Thursday, Venezuela has to take advantage of a team that has little to play for to make history. La Vinotinto could still make the inter-confederation playoffs if it were to lose or tie, but only if Bolivia stays below them on the table. Bolivia will host Brazil, another team that has already clinched their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and will look to put pressure on Venezuela with a strong result at altitude in El Alto.

Ronald Hernández will be among those who are now able to be chosen to play in this critical match this Tuesday. Keep up with the SDH Network as we follow Hernández’s journey with both Atlanta United and Venezuela, and keep up with the Venezuela-Columbia matchup HERE.

“Hard work always pays off. Just live in the moment. It’s a very proud moment for me, but this continues,” Hernández said.