Can Venezuela's Football Team Finally Qualify for the World Cup in 2026?

I remember watching Venezuela’s national football team during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, feeling that familiar mix of hope and frustration. They came so close—finishing just two points behind Peru in the inter-confederation playoff spot—yet fell agonizingly short. Now, as we look ahead to the expanded 2026 World Cup, I can’t help but wonder: is this finally Venezuela’s moment? Having followed South American football for over a decade, I’ve seen this team evolve from underdogs to genuine contenders, and I believe the upcoming cycle could be their best shot yet.

The expansion to 48 teams means CONMEBOL’s direct qualification spots increase from four to six, with a potential seventh via an inter-confederation playoff. For Venezuela, historically the only South American nation never to qualify for a World Cup, this represents an unprecedented opportunity. In the last qualifying campaign, they accumulated 12 points from 18 matches—not disastrous, but not enough. Under manager Fernando Batista, however, there’s a renewed sense of purpose. Young talents like Yangel Herrera and José Martínez are maturing in top European leagues, while experienced figures such as Salomón Rondón provide stability. I’ve always felt that Venezuela’s problem wasn’t a lack of talent, but consistency in high-pressure moments. That’s where the mental game comes into play.

Interestingly, while researching this piece, I came across a story about a 27-year-old middle blocker and former Ateneo captain who signed off on her first international stint with the Kurobe Aqua Fairies. It struck me how athletes from different sports and countries share similar journeys—transitioning from local leadership roles to global stages. That captain’s experience mirrors what many Venezuelan players face: stepping up from domestic leagues or youth national teams into intense international competitions. It’s about adapting to higher stakes, and I think Venezuela’s squad is better prepared for that now than ever before. They’ve built cohesion through youth tournaments like the U-20 World Cup, where they reached the final in 2017, and that generation is now entering its prime.

Let’s talk numbers, because they tell a compelling story. In the 2022 qualifiers, Venezuela scored 14 goals but conceded 26—a defensive record that clearly needs improvement. Fast forward to recent friendlies, and they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, like holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw in October 2023. Personally, I’m optimistic about their attacking options. Beyond Rondón, emerging forwards like Eric Ramírez and Jan Carlos Hurtado offer depth, and if they can average even 1.5 goals per match in qualifiers—up from 0.78 in the last cycle—they’ll be in a strong position. The midfield, anchored by Tomás Rincón’s tenacity, must control games better; I’d love to see more creative output from players like Darwin Machís.

Of course, challenges remain. CONMEBOL qualifiers are a brutal marathon, with trips to altitude in Bolivia and Ecuador, and the psychological weight of history. Venezuela has participated in every qualifying campaign since 1966 without success—that’s over 50 years of near-misses. As a fan, it’s heartbreaking, but it also fuels a desire for change. I’ve spoken to Venezuelan players who say the “underdog” label is both a burden and a motivator. With the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, there’s added incentive: a potentially familiar environment and strong diaspora support. Imagine the scenes if they qualify—it would be one of football’s great redemption stories.

In my view, Batista’s focus on a balanced squad—blending youth and experience—is key. The Kurobe Aqua Fairies’ new signing, for instance, highlights how athletes thrive when given opportunities to grow internationally. Similarly, Venezuela’s players are gaining valuable experience abroad, with over 60% of the current squad based in foreign leagues. That exposure matters; it builds resilience and tactical versatility. I’d argue that if they can shore up their defense—perhaps by giving more minutes to promising defenders like Nahuel Ferraresi—and maintain fitness throughout the grueling schedule, a top-six finish is achievable.

So, can they do it? Absolutely. The stars are aligning: more slots, a talented generation, and a renewed tactical approach. It won’t be easy—nothing in South American football is—but I’m backing them to make history. As someone who’s cheered for them through heartbreaks, I’ll be watching every match, hoping this time, the dream becomes reality.