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Venezuela national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Venezuela women's national football team.

Venezuela
Shirt badge/Association crest
NicknameLa Vinotinto (The Red-Wine)[1]
AssociationFederación Venezolana de Fútbol (FVF)
ConfederationCONMEBOL (South America)
Head coachFernando Aristeguieta
CaptainTomás Rincón
Most capsTomás Rincón (143)
Top scorerSalomón Rondón (48)
Home stadiumEstadio Monumental
Estadio Olímpico de la UCV
Estadio Metropolitano de Mérida
FIFA codeVEN
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 48 Increase 2 (19 November 2025)[2]
Highest25 (November 2019)
Lowest129 (November 1998)
First international
 Panama 2–1 Venezuela 
(Panama City, Panama; 12 February 1938)
Biggest win
 Venezuela 7–0 Puerto Rico 
(Caracas, Venezuela; 16 January 1959)
Biggest defeat
 Argentina 11–0 Venezuela 
(Rosario, Argentina; 10 August 1975)
Copa América
Appearances20 (first in 1967)
Best resultFourth place (2011)

The Venezuela national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Venezuela), nicknamed La Vinotinto ("The Red Wine"), represents Venezuela in men's international football and is controlled by the Federación Venezolana de Fútbol (English: Venezuelan Football Federation), the governing body for football in Venezuela. Their nickname is a reference to the unique “red wine” team color that is used on their home jerseys. When playing at home in official games, they usually rotate between three stadiums: The Polideportivo Cachamay in Puerto Ordaz, the Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui in Puerto La Cruz and the Estadio Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal, though recent FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns saw home games in other stadiums around the country, including the Estadio Monumental in Maturín. Likewise, in friendly matches, they tend to rotate between the rest of the stadiums in the country.

Unlike other South American nations, and akin to some Caribbean nations, baseball is extremely popular in Venezuela, which diverts athletic talent away from football, contributing to its historic lack of success in CONMEBOL competitions. As of 2025, they are the only CONMEBOL side to have never qualified for the World Cup. Often Venezuela would go through entire qualification tournaments without recording a single win, although this has not happened since 1998. Until 2011, their best finish at the Copa América was fifth in their first entry, in 1967. It is only recently with the spread of the World Cup's popularity in nations where football was not the primary sport (such as Canada, Japan, the United States, and Australia) that the national team found incentives to increase player development and fan support. As of December 2019, Venezuela has the highest position on the FIFA World Ranking of any team that has not yet qualified for the World Cup, being ranked 25th.[4]

History

[edit]

20th century

[edit]

Venezuela did not participate in FIFA World Cup qualification until the 1966 qualifiers in which they were drawn with Uruguay and Peru, but failed to register a point in four games. In the 1970 qualifiers they managed to register a point, and after withdrawing from the 1974 series, repeated that in the 1978 qualifiers. The 1982 qualifiers saw them register their first win, over Bolivia. They wouldn't register another World Cup qualifying win until the 1994 series when they defeated Ecuador. A highlight of the 1998 qualifiers was goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel scoring against Argentina in a 5–2 defeat.

Despite poor results during the 1960s and 1970s, outstanding players like Luis Mendoza and Rafael Santana achieved recognition. Venezuela also managed to qualify for the 1980 Summer Olympics around this time, the first-ever major international football competition they participated in.

Richard Páez era

[edit]

After José Omar Pastoriza's resignation during the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, Richard Páez took over as head coach of the national team. In their remaining qualifiers, Venezuela achieved 4 victories in a row against Uruguay, Chile, Peru, and Paraguay; in terms of World Cup qualifying matches, this was the first time the team won more than one game in row, the first time they won away from home, and the first time they avoided finishing in last place in their entire history.

The team nevertheless failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, or the 2006 World Cup, gaining 16 and 18 points respectively. However, the team did achieve progression to the second round of the 2007 Copa America on home soil.

In November 2007, Páez resigned after disagreements with the media and supporters.[5]

César Farías era

[edit]

With a new coach César Farías, Venezuela national team improved their performances. At the beginning of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Venezuela won its first game in World Cup qualifying against long unbeaten Ecuador in Quito. Something similar happened to Bolivia in La Paz, where Venezuela won for the first time at Bolivian altitude. Also, they received their first point against Brazil in qualifying. Despite not ultimately reaching the 2010 World Cup, Venezuela achieved its best result in qualifying. They finished this round with 22 points in 18 matches, surpassing Peru and Bolivia for eighth place in the region.

On 6 June 2008, Venezuela achieved its first-ever triumph over Brazil, defeating the Seleção 2–0 in a friendly match in Boston, United States. Venezuela obtained excellent results in the 2011 Copa América when they finished fourth, their highest finish in the tournament to date. With a squad composed mostly of players playing in Europe, they began 2014 World Cup qualification with a historic result (1–0) against Argentina in Puerto La Cruz, beating the Argentines for the first time.

Noel Sanvicente era

[edit]
Match between Galicia (in white) and Venezuela (in burgundy).

On 4 September 2014, Noel Sanvicente was made coach of the Venezuela national team.[6] The team's first match under Sanvicente was against South Korea in Bucheon on 5 September 2014, ending in a 3–1 defeat.[7]

Sanvicente's first tournament came in the 2015 Copa América, with Venezuela drawn in Group C of the competition. Their opening game finished with an upset victory over tournament favorites Colombia by 1–0, but subsequent defeats to Peru and Brazil saw La Vinotinto eliminated.[citation needed]

Venezuela began the World Cup qualification campaign with a 1–0 defeat against Paraguay at home, and would not earn their first point until their match against Peru, a 2–2 draw in Lima where Venezuela led until the last minute of stoppage time. Their match with Chile ended in a disappointing 4–1 defeat. Sanvicente announced his resignation a week later after mutual consent with the FVF. At the time of Sanvicente's departure, Venezuela was last in the qualification standings with a sole point.

Rafael Dudamel era

[edit]

Sanvicente was replaced by former Vinotinto goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel, who decided to revamp the entire national team, by injecting the team with the promising young generation of Venezuelan players that finished second at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup that was dubbed as the country's first-ever football Golden Generation.[8] Under his coaching, La Vinotinto quickly improved and reached the quarterfinals in the Copa América Centenario, with two 1–0 wins over Jamaica and Uruguay and a 1–1 draw against Mexico in the group stage and then a 4–1 defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals. In the 7th matchday of the 2018 World Cup qualifier, Venezuela lost to Colombia 2–0 in Barranquilla, the first loss against Los Cafeteros since 2009. Later, on matchday 11, Venezuela won for the first time in the qualifier, 5–0 over Bolivia in Maturín with a hat-trick from Josef Martínez and goals from Jacobo Kouffati and Rómulo Otero.

On 2 January 2020, Dudamel resigned from the national team.

Copa América history

[edit]

Venezuela first participated at the Copa América in 1967, and finished fifth after defeating Bolivia 3–0 with a side containing Mendoza and Santana. The 1975 tournament saw Venezuela drawn in a group with Brazil and Argentina, and finished bottom with an 11–0 defeat to Argentina. In the 1979 edition, which would be the international swansong for Mendoza and Santana, they drew 0–0 with Colombia and 1–1 with Chile. A highlight of the 1989 tournament was midfielder Carlos Maldonado's four goals. In the 1993 series, Venezuela drew with Uruguay and the United States.

The team's overall Copa América record has been relatively poor (goal difference 33–145 before the 2011 Copa América), but the "Auge Vinotinto" (Vinotinto Rise) period in the early 2000s (decade) brought increased attention to the sport in the country, which in turn brought increased support from both government and private institutions. Said support contributed greatly to the "Vinotinto's" rise in quality. In 2007, during the Copa América held in Venezuela, the team progressed to the quarterfinals for the first time in its history after finishing first in a group containing Peru, Bolivia, and Uruguay. Venezuela's 2–0 victory over Peru during the competition was its first Copa América victory since 1967.

2011 Copa América

[edit]

At the 2011 Copa América championship, Venezuela reached the semi-finals round for the first time by defeating Chile in the quarter-final, 2–1. Despite their commanding presence against Paraguay in their semifinal, Venezuela was unable to convert their chances into goals. They would eventually lose 5–3 to Paraguay in a penalty shootout after remaining scoreless in normal and extra time. Venezuela and Peru played for third place at the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, where Venezuela would suffer their biggest loss of the tournament, losing 4–1 to Peru and falling into fourth place overall. Nonetheless, it was their best-ever finish at the competition.

Group B:

Main article: 2011 Copa América Group B
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 Brazil 3 1 2 0 6 4 +2 5
 Venezuela 3 1 2 0 4 3 +1 5
 Paraguay 3 0 3 0 5 5 0 3
 Ecuador 3 0 1 2 2 5 −3 1

Results:

3 July 2011 Group stages Brazil  0–0  Venezuela La Plata, Argentina
16:00 UTC-3 Report Stadium: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata
Referee: Raúl Orosco (Bolivia)
9 July 2011 Group stages Venezuela  1–0  Ecuador Salta, Argentina
18:30 UTC-3 C. González 61' Report Stadium: Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena
Referee: Wálter Quesada (Costa Rica)
13 July 2011 Group stages Paraguay  3–3  Venezuela Salta, Argentina
19:15 UTC-3 Alcaraz 32'
Barrios 62'
Riveros 85'		 Report Rondón 5'
Miku 89'
Perozo 90+2'		 Stadium: Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena
Referee: Enrique Osses (Chile)
17 July 2011 Quarterfinals Chile  1–2  Venezuela San Juan, Argentina
19:15 UTC-3 Suazo 69' Report Vizcarrondo 34'
Cichero 80'		 Stadium: Estadio del Bicentenario
Referee: Carlos Vera (Ecuador)
20 July 2011 Semifinals Venezuela  0–0
(3–5 p)		  Paraguay Mendoza, Argentina
21:45 UTC-3 Report Stadium: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas
Referee: Francisco Chacón (Mexico)
Penalties
Maldonado soccer ball with check mark
Rey soccer ball with check mark
Lucena soccer ball with red X
Miku soccer ball with check mark		 soccer ball with check mark Ortigoza
soccer ball with check mark Barrios
soccer ball with check mark Riveros
soccer ball with check mark Martínez
soccer ball with check mark Verón
23 July 2011 Third-place match Peru  4–1  Venezuela La Plata, Argentina
16:00 UTC-3 Chiroque 41'
Guerrero 63', 89', 90+2'		 Report Arango 77' Stadium: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata
Referee: Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)

Team image

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Venezuela national football team kits.

Venezuela made its international debut in the Central American and Caribbean Games held in Panama in 1938, wearing the vinotinto (burgundy) color. The burgundy color originated from the uniform of the Venezuelan National Guard.[9] In the 1967 Copa América Venezuela also wore the Peñarol shirt v Chile to avoid colors clash, as Venezuela had arrived in the Estadio Centenario (Peñarol's frequent venue) with no alternate shirts.[10]

In 1993, a vertical band with the colors of the National flag was added to the left side of the jersey, which changed its colors to a more traditional red tone. This lasted until 1996 when Venezuela returned to the vinotinto tone.[11]

In 1998 Venezuela adopted a yellow/blue/red scheme, similar to their flag colors, by Mexican manufacturer "ABA Sports".[11] The national team returned to the traditional color in 2000. It has been remaining (with few changes)[12] as the main uniform up to present days.

Kit providers

[edit]

Source:[13]

Adidas jersey worn during the 2014 World Cup qualifying
Manufacturer Period
Germany Adidas 1981–1991
Venezuela Forte 1992–1995
Peru Polmer 1996–1997
Mexico Aba Sport 1998–1999
Mexico Atlética 2000–2004
Germany Adidas 2005–2018
Italy Givova 2019–2023
Germany Adidas 2024–2026

Results and fixtures

[edit]
Main article: Venezuela national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

[edit]
18 January 2025 Friendly United States  3–1  Venezuela Fort Lauderdale, United States
15:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: Chase Stadium
Attendance: 18,008
Referee: Steven Madrigal (Costa Rica)
21 March 2025 2026 World Cup qualification Ecuador  2–1  Venezuela Quito, Ecuador
16:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado
Referee: Ramon Abatti (Brazil)
25 March 2025 2026 World Cup qualification Venezuela  1–0  Peru Maturín, Venezuela
20:00 UTC−4
Report Stadium: Estadio Monumental
Attendance: 33,683
Referee: Cristian Garay (Chile)
6 June 2025 2026 World Cup qualification Venezuela  2–0  Bolivia Maturín, Venezuela
18:00 UTC−4
Report Stadium: Estadio Monumental
Attendance: 46,741
Referee: Yael Falcón Pérez (Argentina)
10 June 2025 2026 World Cup qualification Uruguay  2–0  Venezuela Montevideo, Uruguay
20:00 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Centenario
Attendance: 29,672
Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
4 September 2025 2026 World Cup qualification Argentina  3–0  Venezuela Buenos Aires, Argentina
20:30 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Monumental
Attendance: 76,490
Referee: Piero Maza (Chile)
9 September 2025 2026 World Cup qualification Venezuela  3–6  Colombia Maturín, Venezuela
19:30 UTC−4
Report
Stadium: Estadio Monumental
Referee: Maximiliano Ramírez (Argentina)
10 October 2025 Friendly Argentina  1–0  Venezuela Miami Gardens, United States
20:00 UTC−4
Report Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
14 October 2025 Friendly Venezuela  Cancelled  Belize Bridgeview, United States
15:00 UTC−5 Report Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium
Note: The match was cancelled due to unrest from Operation Midway Blitz.
14 November 2025 Friendly Venezuela  1–0  Australia Houston, United States
20:30 UTC−6
Report Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium
Referee: Armando Villarreal (United States)
18 November 2025 Friendly Venezuela  0–2  Canada Fort Lauderdale, United States
20:30 UTC−5 Report
Stadium: Chase Stadium
Attendance: 4,200
Referee: Rubiel Vazquez (United States)

Coaching staff

[edit]
Position Name
Head coach Venezuela Fernando Aristeguieta
1st Assistant coach Venezuela Juan Guerra
Assistant coach Venezuela Eduardo Saragó
Assistant coach Venezuela Daniel Izzo
Goalkeeper coach Venezuela Michael Cofrades
Fitness coach Venezuela Julio Soto

Coaching history

[edit]
Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following players were called up to the squad for the friendly matches against Australia and Canada on 14 and 18 November 2025, respectively.[14][15]

  • Caps and goals are correct as of 18 November 2025, after the match against Canada.
  • Friendlies not recognized by FIFA are not counted.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Wuilker Faríñez (1998-02-15) 15 February 1998 (age 27) 42 0 Colombian Football Federation Águilas Doradas
1GK José Contreras (1994-10-20) 20 October 1994 (age 31) 9 0 Ecuadorian Football Federation Barcelona
1GK Miguel Silva (2000-07-28) 28 July 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Venezuelan Football Federation UCV
1GK Cristopher Varela (1999-11-27) 27 November 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Deportivo La Guaira
2DF Nahuel Ferraresi (1998-11-19) 19 November 1998 (age 27) 42 1 Brazilian Football Confederation São Paulo
2DF Yordan Osorio (1994-05-10) 10 May 1994 (age 31) 36 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Deportivo La Guaira
2DF Ronald Hernández (1995-10-18) 18 October 1995 (age 30) 35 1 United States Soccer Federation Atlanta United
2DF Alessandro Milani (2005-06-14) 14 June 2005 (age 20) 3 0 Italian Football Federation Avellino
2DF Teo Quintero (1999-03-02) 2 March 1999 (age 26) 3 0 Royal Dutch Football Association Sparta Rotterdam
2DF Carlos Vivas (2002-04-04) 4 April 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Colombian Football Federation La Equidad
2DF Adrián Cova (2001-02-13) 13 February 2001 (age 24) 1 0 Bulgarian Football Union Lokomotiv Plovdiv
2DF Ángel Azuaje (2004-09-25) 25 September 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Mexican Football Federation UNAM
2DF Adrián Palacios (2004-06-07) 7 June 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Royal Belgian Football Association Genk
2DF Bianneider Tamayo (2005-01-13) 13 January 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Football Federation of Chile Unión Española
2DF Jesús Yendis (1998-03-18) 18 March 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Caracas
3MF Cristian Cásseres (2000-01-20) 20 January 2000 (age 25) 44 0 French Football Federation Toulouse
3MF Telasco Segovia (2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 (age 22) 16 2 United States Soccer Federation Inter Miami
3MF Daniel Pereira (2000-07-14) 14 July 2000 (age 25) 8 0 United States Soccer Federation Austin
3MF Gleiker Mendoza (2001-12-08) 8 December 2001 (age 23) 5 0 Ukrainian Association of Football Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
3MF David Martínez (2006-02-07) 7 February 2006 (age 19) 4 0 United States Soccer Federation Los Angeles
3MF Matías Lacava (2002-10-24) 24 October 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Korea Football Association Ulsan HD
3MF Jorge Yriarte (2000-03-04) 4 March 2000 (age 25) 2 1 Polish Football Association Śląsk Wrocław
3MF José Chávez (1996-08-02) 2 August 1996 (age 29) 2 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Caracas
3MF Ender Echenique (2004-04-02) 2 April 2004 (age 21) 2 0 United States Soccer Federation Cincinnati
3MF Wikelman Carmona (2003-02-24) 24 February 2003 (age 22) 1 0 United States Soccer Federation New York Red Bulls
3MF Carlos Faya (2002-01-18) 18 January 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Deportivo La Guaira
3MF Keiber Lamadrid (2003-11-18) 18 November 2003 (age 22) 1 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Deportivo La Guaira
3MF Jeferson Caraballo (2002-05-08) 8 May 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Venezuelan Football Federation Monagas
4FW Alejandro Marqués (2000-08-04) 4 August 2000 (age 25) 4 0 Portuguese Football Federation Estoril
4FW Kevin Kelsy (2004-07-27) 27 July 2004 (age 21) 4 0 United States Soccer Federation Portland Timbers
4FW Jesús Ramírez (1998-05-04) 4 May 1998 (age 27) 3 1 Portuguese Football Federation Nacional

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called up for the team in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Joel Graterol (1997-02-13) 13 February 1997 (age 28) 12 0 Colombia América de Cali v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
GK Javier Otero (2002-11-18) 18 November 2002 (age 23) 1 0 United States Orlando City v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
GK Juan Rojas (2008-07-04) 4 July 2008 (age 17) 0 0 United States Orlando City B v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
GK Frankarlos Benítez (2004-05-03) 3 May 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Venezuela Caracas v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025 WD
GK Rafael Romo (1990-02-25) 25 February 1990 (age 35) 36 0 Ecuador Universidad Católica v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
GK Alain Baroja (1989-10-23) 23 October 1989 (age 36) 14 0 Bolivia Always Ready v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Luis Balbo (2006-03-28) 28 March 2006 (age 19) 1 0 Italy Fiorentina Primavera v.  Canada, 18 November 2025 INJ
DF Jon Aramburu (2002-07-23) 23 July 2002 (age 23) 18 1 Spain Real Sociedad v.  Australia, 14 November 2025 INJ
DF Yiandro Raap (2006-07-25) 25 July 2006 (age 19) 0 0 Netherlands Jong PSV v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
DF Renné Rivas (2003-03-21) 21 March 2003 (age 22) 0 0 United Arab Emirates Kalba v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
DF Delvin Alfonzo (2000-04-09) 9 April 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Colombia Águilas Doradas v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025 WD
DF Yanniel Hernández (1997-07-10) 10 July 1997 (age 28) 0 0 Venezuela Puerto Cabello v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025 WD
DF Marcos Maitán (2008-04-18) 18 April 2008 (age 17) 0 0 Venezuela Monagas v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025 WD
DF Miguel Pernía (2000-11-01) 1 November 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Venezuela Carabobo v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025 WD
DF Alexander González (1992-11-13) 13 November 1992 (age 33) 75 2 Ecuador Emelec v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Wilker Ángel (1993-03-18) 18 March 1993 (age 32) 46 2 Brazil Juventude v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Jhon Chancellor (1992-01-02) 2 January 1992 (age 33) 37 3 Ecuador Universidad Católica v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Miguel Navarro (1999-01-26) 26 January 1999 (age 26) 23 0 Argentina Talleres v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Christian Makoun (2000-03-05) 5 March 2000 (age 25) 14 0 Bulgaria Levski Sofia v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Josua Mejías (1997-06-07) 7 June 1997 (age 28) 4 0 Hungary Debrecen v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
DF Thomas Gutiérrez (2000-05-01) 1 May 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Paraguay Nacional v.  Uruguay, 10 June 2025
DF Rubén Ramírez (1995-10-18) 18 October 1995 (age 30) 3 1 Unattached v.  Peru, 25 March 2025
DF Roberto Rosales (1988-11-20) 20 November 1988 (age 37) 96 1 Venezuela Deportivo Táchira v.  United States, 18 January 2025
DF Francisco La Mantía (1996-02-26) 26 February 1996 (age 29) 4 0 Venezuela Caracas v.  United States, 18 January 2025
DF Anthony Graterol (1995-02-25) 25 February 1995 (age 30) 1 0 Venezuela Anzoátegui v.  United States, 18 January 2025
DF Carlos Rojas (2004-01-23) 23 January 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Ukraine Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih v.  United States, 18 January 2025
MF Jefferson Savarino (1996-11-11) 11 November 1996 (age 29) 51 4 Brazil Botafogo v.  Australia, 14 November 2025 WD
MF Juan Pablo Añor (1994-01-24) 24 January 1994 (age 31) 29 1 Greece Volos v.  Australia, 14 November 2025 WD
MF Jesús Bueno (1999-04-15) 15 April 1999 (age 26) 1 0 United States Philadelphia Union v.  Australia, 14 November 2025 WD
MF Kervin Andrade (2005-04-13) 13 April 2005 (age 20) 4 0 Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
MF Bryant Ortega (2003-02-28) 28 February 2003 (age 22) 1 0 United Arab Emirates Khor Fakkan v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
MF Gustavo Caraballo (2008-08-29) 29 August 2008 (age 17) 0 0 United States Orlando City v.  Argentina, 10 October 2025
MF Tomás Rincón (Captain) (1988-01-13) 13 January 1988 (age 37) 143 1 Brazil Santos v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
MF Yeferson Soteldo (1997-06-30) 30 June 1997 (age 28) 53 4 Brazil Fluminense v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
MF Jhon Murillo (1995-11-21) 21 November 1995 (age 30) 48 4 Colombia América de Cali v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
MF José Martínez (1994-09-07) 7 September 1994 (age 31) 41 0 Brazil Corinthians v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
MF Eduard Bello (1995-08-20) 20 August 1995 (age 30) 26 4 Chile Universidad Católica v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
MF Leonardo Flores (1995-08-05) 5 August 1995 (age 30) 2 0 Colombia Atlético Bucaramanga v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
MF Yangel Herrera (1998-01-07) 7 January 1998 (age 27) 43 3 Spain Real Sociedad v.  Peru, 25 March 2025
MF Edson Castillo (1994-05-18) 18 May 1994 (age 31) 9 1 Unattached v.  Peru, 25 March 2025
MF Freddy Vargas (1999-04-01) 1 April 1999 (age 26) 3 0 Azerbaijan Neftçi v.  Peru, 25 March 2025
MF Júnior Moreno (1993-07-20) 20 July 1993 (age 32) 41 1 Unattached v.  United States, 18 January 2025
MF Erickson Gallardo (1996-07-26) 26 July 1996 (age 29) 4 0 Venezuela Zamora v.  United States, 18 January 2025
MF Maurice Cova (1992-08-11) 11 August 1992 (age 33) 1 0 Venezuela Deportivo Táchira v.  United States, 18 January 2025
MF Moisés Tablante (2001-07-04) 4 July 2001 (age 24) 1 0 United States Atlanta United 2 v.  United States, 18 January 2025
MF Edson Tortolero (1998-02-05) 5 February 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Venezuela Carabobo v.  United States, 18 January 2025
FW Jovanny Bolívar (2001-12-16) 16 December 2001 (age 23) 1 0 Colombia La Equidad v.  Australia, 14 November 2025 INJ
FW Salomón Rondón (Vice-captain) (1989-09-16) 16 September 1989 (age 36) 120 48 Spain Oviedo v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
FW Josef Martínez (1993-05-19) 19 May 1993 (age 32) 70 15 United States San Jose Earthquakes v.  Colombia, 9 September 2025
FW Jhonder Cádiz (1995-07-29) 29 July 1995 (age 30) 19 2 Mexico Pachuca v.  Peru, 25 March 2025
FW Jan Hurtado (2000-03-05) 5 March 2000 (age 25) 13 0 Argentina Gimnasia v.  Peru, 25 March 2025
FW Saúl Guarirapa (2002-10-18) 18 October 2002 (age 23) 1 0 United Arab Emirates Sharjah v.  United States, 18 January 2025
FW Bryan Castillo (2001-05-14) 14 May 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Ukraine Oleksandriya v.  United States, 18 January 2025
  • INJ Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE Preliminary squad
  • SUS Suspended
  • WD Withdrew from the squad

Player records

[edit]
As of 18 November 2025[16]
Players in bold are still active with Venezuela.

Most appearances

[edit]
Midfielder Tomás Rincón is the most capped player with 143 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Tomás Rincón 143 1 2008–present
2 Juan Arango 129 23 1999–2015
3 Salomón Rondón 120 47 2008–present
4 José Manuel Rey 115 10 1997–2011
5 Roberto Rosales 96 1 2007–present
6 Jorge Alberto Rojas 87 3 1999–2009
7 Miguel Mea Vitali 84 1 1999–2012
8 Oswaldo Vizcarrondo 80 7 2004–2016
9 Gabriel Urdaneta 77 9 1996–2005
10 Luis Vallenilla 76 0 1996–2007

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Salomón Rondón is the nation's all-time top goalscorer.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Salomón Rondón 48 120 0.4 2008–present
2 Juan Arango 23 129 0.17 1999–2015
3 Giancarlo Maldonado 22 65 0.34 2003–2011
4 Josef Martínez 15 70 0.21 2011–present
5 Ruberth Morán 14 63 0.22 1996–2007
6 Miku 11 50 0.22 2006–2015
Darwin Machís 11 52 0.21 2011–present
8 Daniel Arismendi 10 30 0.33 2006–2011
José Manuel Rey 10 115 0.09 1997–2011
10 Gabriel Urdaneta 9 77 0.12 1996–2005

Competitive record

[edit]
Main article: Venezuela national football team records and statistics

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Italy 1934
France 1938
Brazil 1950
Switzerland 1954 Did not enter Declined participation
Sweden 1958 Withdrew Withdrew
Chile 1962 Did not enter Declined participation
England 1966 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 4 15
Mexico 1970 6 0 1 5 1 18
West Germany 1974 Withdrew Withdrew
Argentina 1978 Did not qualify 4 0 1 3 2 8
Spain 1982 4 1 0 3 1 9
Mexico 1986 6 0 1 5 5 15
Italy 1990 4 0 0 4 1 18
United States 1994 8 1 0 7 4 34
France 1998 16 0 3 13 8 41
South Korea Japan 2002 18 5 1 12 18 44
Germany 2006 18 5 3 10 20 28
South Africa 2010 18 6 4 8 23 29
Brazil 2014 16 5 5 6 14 20
Russia 2018 18 2 6 10 19 35
Qatar 2022 18 3 1 14 14 34
Canada Mexico United States 2026 18 4 6 8 18 28
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/19 176 32 32 112 152 376

Copa América

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Main article: Venezuela at the Copa América

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place  

South American Championship / Copa América record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Argentina 1916 No national representative
Uruguay 1917
Brazil 1919
Chile 1920
Argentina 1921
Brazil 1922
Uruguay 1923
Uruguay 1924
Argentina 1925 Not a CONMEBOL member
Chile 1926
Peru 1927
Argentina 1929
Peru 1935
Argentina 1937
Peru 1939
Chile 1941
Uruguay 1942
Chile 1945
Argentina 1946
Ecuador 1947
Brazil 1949
Peru 1953 Did not participate
Chile 1955
Uruguay 1956
Peru 1957
Argentina 1959
Ecuador 1959
Bolivia 1963
Uruguay 1967 Fifth place 5th 5 1 0 4 7 16 Squad
1975 Group stage 10th 4 0 0 4 1 26 Squad
1979 10th 4 0 2 2 1 12 Squad
1983 10th 4 0 1 3 1 10 Squad
Argentina 1987 10th 2 0 0 2 1 8 Squad
Brazil 1989 10th 4 0 1 3 4 11 Squad
Chile 1991 10th 4 0 0 4 1 15 Squad
Ecuador 1993 11th 3 0 2 1 6 11 Squad
Uruguay 1995 12th 3 0 0 3 4 10 Squad
Bolivia 1997 12th 3 0 0 3 0 5 Squad
Paraguay 1999 12th 3 0 0 3 1 13 Squad
Colombia 2001 12th 3 0 0 3 0 7 Squad
Peru 2004 11th 3 0 1 2 2 5 Squad
Venezuela 2007 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 2 1 5 6 Squad
Argentina 2011 Fourth place 4th 6 2 3 1 7 8 Squad
Chile 2015 Group stage 9th 3 1 0 2 2 3 Squad
United States 2016 Quarter-finals 6th 4 2 1 1 4 5 Squad
Brazil 2019 7th 4 1 2 1 3 3 Squad
Brazil 2021 Group stage 9th 4 0 2 2 2 6 Squad
United States 2024 Quarter-finals 5th 4 3 1 0 7 2 Squad
Total Fourth place 20/27 74 11 18 45 59 182 —

Pan American Games

[edit]
Pan American Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
Argentina 1951 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 5 14
Mexico 1955 Fourth place 4th 6 1 2 3 9 20
United States 1959 Did not participate
Brazil 1963
Canada 1967
Colombia 1971
Mexico 1975
Puerto Rico 1979
Venezuela 1983 Group stage 7th 2 1 0 1 3 3
United States 1987 Did not qualify
Cuba 1991
Argentina 1995
Since 1999 See Venezuela national under-23 football team
Total Fourth place 3/12 12 3 2 7 17 37

Honours

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Regional

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  • Bolivarian Games
    • 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Silver medal (5): 1947–48s, 1951, 1965, 1970, 1977
    • 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Bronze medal (2): 1961, 1981
Notes
  • s Shared titles.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Venezuela: ¿Por qué la 'vinotinto'?" (HTML). Culturizando.com. 6 July 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
  4. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA.com. FIFA. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  5. ^ "Venezuela se quedó sin DT: renunció Richard Páez | Emol.com". 26 November 2007. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  6. ^ FIFA.com. "Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) – FIFA.com". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  7. ^ "Korea Republic 3 – 1 Venezuela Match report – 9/5/14 Friendlies – Goal.com". goal.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  8. ^ "Jóvenes - Where Are Venezuela's Golden U20 Generation Now?". 11 June 2019. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  9. ^ "¿Por qué le dicen la Vinotinto a la Selección venezolana? | Goal.com". www.goal.com (in Spanish). 18 June 2021. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  10. ^ Redacción Aguanten Che. "Vinotinto aurinegra". aguantenche.com.uy. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  11. ^ a b "La evolución de la camisa vinotinto desde 1938". Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  12. ^ La Vinotinto estrenará uniforme Archived 2 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine on La Patilla website
  13. ^ Las marcas que han vestido a la Vinotinto Archived 20 August 2019 at the Wayback Machine on Meridiano.com
  14. ^ @selevinotinto; (7 November 2025). "📋 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐬" (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 November 2025 – via Instagram.
  15. ^ @SeleVinotinto (10 November 2025). "𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀: Fecha FIFA de noviembre" (Tweet) (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 November 2025 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Venezuela - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 30 March 2009. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
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