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

I remember watching EJ Obiena’s performance at the Oslo Bislett Games last week, and honestly, it hit me harder than I expected. Here’s this incredible athlete—someone who’s been breaking records and making Filipinos proud—suddenly failing to clear 5.62 meters in all three attempts. No second chances, no dramatic comeback, just three tries and it was over. It got me thinking about how unpredictable sports can be, and how that same uncertainty hangs over Venezuela’s national football team as they aim for the 2026 World Cup. I’ve followed Venezuelan football for years, and I’ll admit, I’m emotionally invested. They’ve always been the underdogs, the team with heart but not always the results. But something feels different this time.

Let’s rewind a bit. Venezuela has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Not once. It’s one of those stats that feels almost cruel when you consider the passion for football in the country. I’ve seen kids playing in the streets of Caracas with makeshift balls, dreaming of pulling on that burgundy shirt someday. Yet, when it comes to the big stage, they’ve fallen short time and again. The closest they came was during the 2018 qualifiers, where they finished second-to-last in the CONMEBOL table with just 12 points from 18 matches. Compare that to Brazil, who topped the group with 41 points, and you get a sense of the mountain they’ve had to climb. But here’s the thing—I genuinely believe the 2026 cycle could be their moment. Why? Because the team is younger, hungrier, and there’s a sense of building momentum that I haven’t felt before.

Take Salomón Rondón, for example. At 34, he’s the veteran leader, the guy who’s been through the battles. I remember watching him score that stunning header against Argentina in 2021—a moment that felt like a statement. But it’s the younger players who excite me. Yangel Herrera, now at Girona, is a midfield engine who never seems to tire. Then there’s Darwin Machís, whose pace on the wing can tear defenses apart. And let’s not forget the rising stars like Telasco Segovia, who’s been turning heads in the youth leagues. These players aren’t just talented; they’re gaining experience in top European leagues, which is something Venezuela didn’t have in the past.

But talent alone isn’t enough, and that’s where the Obiena comparison hits home. In pole vaulting, one bad day can undo months of preparation. Similarly, in football, a single missed penalty or a defensive lapse can cost you everything. I’ve seen Venezuela struggle with consistency—they’ll pull off a stunning win against Uruguay one week, then lose to Bolivia the next. It’s frustrating, but it’s also what makes their journey so compelling. The 2026 qualifiers will be a marathon, not a sprint. With CONMEBOL’s grueling format—each team playing 18 matches against some of the world’s best—mental toughness will be as important as skill.

I also can’t ignore the off-field challenges. Venezuela’s economic and political crises have affected every aspect of life, including sports. Funding for youth development has been inconsistent, and many players have had to leave the country early to pursue careers abroad. Yet, in a way, this adversity has forged a resilient spirit. I’ve spoken to fans who say supporting the national team is a source of pride and hope, a distraction from daily struggles. That emotional connection is powerful, and it could be the X-factor that pushes the team over the line.

Now, let’s talk numbers. In the 2022 qualifiers, Venezuela finished 10th out of 10 teams, with just 10 points. It was a dismal campaign, but they’ve shown signs of improvement since. Under manager Fernando Batista, they’ve adopted a more organized defensive approach, conceding only 1.2 goals per game in recent friendlies compared to 1.8 in the last qualifiers. Offensively, they’ve averaged 1.1 goals per match, up from 0.7. These might seem like small gains, but in qualifiers where every point matters, they could make the difference.

Of course, the road to 2026 won’t be easy. They’ll face giants like Brazil and Argentina, who are always favorites, and rising forces like Ecuador and Colombia. But with the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, CONMEBOL will have more slots—six direct entries and one inter-confederation playoff spot. That’s a game-changer. Suddenly, finishing in the top six feels achievable, whereas before, it was a near-impossible dream.

So, back to my original question: Can Venezuela finally qualify? I say yes, but with a caveat. They’ll need luck, avoid injuries to key players, and maintain the belief that has often wavered in the past. Watching Obiena’s stumble in Oslo reminded me that sports are as much about resilience as they are about skill. Venezuela’s team has the talent; now they need to prove they can handle the pressure. As a fan, I’ll be cheering them on, hoping that 2026 is the year they make history. Because if they do, it won’t just be a football victory—it’ll be a moment of unity and pride for a nation that deserves it.