The Venezuelan national team is going through a transition period under the direction of Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, who is working on the renewal of Vinotinto with a combination of experienced players and young talents. Without an immediate official competition, the coach has room to test players and define the bases of a new project with his sights set on the 2030 World Cup.
In its last 10 friendlies, Venezuela has recorded three wins, three draws and four losses. The balance reflects the reconstruction process of a team that seeks to leave behind the era of Argentine Fernando ‘Bocha’ Batista, who left office in September 2025 after Vinotinto failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Vizcarrondo was officially named coach in January of this year and one of his main tasks is to manage the replacement of historical leaders. Among them is Salomón Rondón, Venezuela’s top scorer, who at 37 years old is in the final stage of his international career.
Youth to renew Vinotinto
The new cycle begins to give prominence to a generation of young footballers. David Martínez, 20 years old and player for Midtjylland in Denmark; Kevin Kelsy, 22 and currently at Scottish Rangers; Telasco Segovia, 23, from Inter Miami, and Gleiker Mendoza, 24, from Shakhtar Donetsk, are among the names called to assume greater responsibility.
La Vinotinto also retains experienced players who can serve as a bridge during the renewal. Among them, defender Jon Aramburu, from Real Sociedad of Spain, stands out.
Other references such as José ‘El Brujo’ Martínez, currently without a team, Jefferson Savarino and Yeferson Soteldo, both from Fluminense in Brazil, maintain their weight within the group, although the three did not participate in the recent friendlies.
Venezuela is already thinking about 2030
The 0-0 draw against Jordan on Tuesday closed the series of friendlies played by Venezuela between September and October. During these meetings, Vizcarrondo took the opportunity to test different players and tactical alternatives.
The great challenge will be to determine which experienced footballers will continue in the project and which young people are prepared to assume the leadership of Vinotinto.
With the 2030 World Cup as a long-term goal, Venezuela seeks to build a generation capable of qualifying for a World Cup for the first time. Before, the team will have the 2028 Copa América, a tournament in which Vizcarrondo hopes that the Venezuelan team can take on a leading role.
