Will Venezuela Finally Break Through to the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11 featuring an unprecedented 48 nations—marking the largest tournament in its history.

Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan have gained from the increased number of participating countries, and they will experience their inaugural World Cup appearances after advancing through their qualification campaigns.

However, the narrative dominating discussions is not athletics but international relations: Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was apprehended by American forces during a military operation in early January 2026 and transported to the U.S. to confront federal accusations including narco-terrorism and cocaine-trafficking charges.

Maduro has vehemently rejected these allegations, characterizing himself as a "prisoner of war"—terminology he employed in court to contest his imprisonment—and previously labeled such accusations as instruments to advance "imperial" objectives for U.S. President Donald Trump to obtain access to Venezuela's petroleum resources.

Given this turmoil, football enthusiasts globally are questioning not only how events will unfold, but also whether Venezuela's national football squad has secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup—which would create a remarkable context for the tournament's narrative.

Have Venezuela Qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

The brief response is no, Venezuela has not secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

La Vinotinto concluded in eighth position within the CONMEBOL qualification standings, failing to achieve both direct qualification berths and the intercontinental playoff position.

They secured victory in merely four of their 18 contests, with a devastating 6–3 loss to neighboring Colombia on the concluding matchday confirming their elimination and prolonging their enduring status as the sole South American country never to compete in a men's World Cup—despite the expanded 48-nation format providing extra opportunities.

One day following the defeat to Colombia in September, manager Fernando Batista and his complete coaching team were terminated, allegedly on President Maduro's directive, who insisted on comprehensive reorganization of the national squad structure after what he termed a "devastating loss."

The USMNT will compete as host nation, having bypassed the qualification procedure—a benefit similarly granted to Canada and Mexico.