Venezuela have parted ways with head coach Fernando Batista and his entire backroom staff, just 24 hours after their 6-3 home defeat to Colombia ended hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision followed an intervention from President Nicolás Maduro, who demanded a “restructuring of the technical staff” after the crushing loss.
“Yesterday we suffered a painful defeat,” Maduro said. “All of Venezuela demands a reorganisation of the strategy, doctrine, and combat line of the Vinotinto.”
The expanded 48-team World Cup had raised Venezuela’s hopes of making their debut appearance at the global finals. But the loss to Colombia saw them miss out on even a playoff spot, with Bolivia snatching the intercontinental playoff place after a 1-0 win over Brazil.
Venezuela remain the only CONMEBOL nation never to qualify for a World Cup.
Meanwhile, Peru also dismissed head coach Oscar Ibáñez after their dismal campaign. La Blanquirroja ended qualification with just two wins, 10 defeats, and six goals scored across 18 matches.
Both countries are now set for major overhauls ahead of the next competitive cycle.
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