Keywords: Venezuela, 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Squad, Josef Martinez, Edson Castillo
Meta Description: Explore Venezuela’s national squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, featuring notable changes including the absence of Josef Martinez and the return of Edson Castillo.
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Caracas, November 6, 2023 – Venezuela’s national football team is gearing up for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and the latest squad announcement by the Argentine coach, Fernando Batista, brings some notable changes to the forefront. The absence of seasoned forward Josef Martinez and the return of midfielder Edson Castillo have become the focal points of discussion among football enthusiasts and pundits.
Martinez, a 30-year-old striker, has been a prominent figure in Venezuela’s football scene, but his omission from the squad has raised eyebrows. Coach Batista has not provided specific reasons for excluding him, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the motives behind this decision. Martinez’s recent performance with the national team has been relatively subdued, which could have contributed to his exclusion.
Interestingly, Josef Martinez is also facing uncertainty in his club career. He has decided not to renew his contract with Inter Miami, signaling a potential shift in his professional trajectory. The lack of match activity due to Inter Miami’s failure to qualify for the MLS playoffs might have played a role in his absence from the national squad. However, it remains a matter of speculation, as no official statement has been made regarding this decision.
On the other hand, the return of Edson Castillo to the squad has garnered significant attention. Castillo’s presence as a midfielder could provide an added dimension to Venezuela’s gameplay. His inclusion is seen as a positive step by Coach Batista, who may be looking to strengthen the team’s midfield and overall strategy. Edson Castillo’s previous performances for the national team have been noteworthy, and his return is expected to be a valuable asset in the upcoming matches.
The 27-player squad assembled by Coach Batista for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers includes both established and emerging talents. Venezuela is set to face Ecuador on November 16 and will be on the road against Peru on November 21. These matches are crucial steps on the path to securing a spot in the World Cup, making the squad selection an essential factor in the team’s success.
One of the notable aspects of the squad announcement is the inclusion of four players from the LigaPro in Ecuador. Wilker Ángel and Rómulo Otero from Aucas, Rafael Romo from Universidad Católica, and Samuel Sosa from Emelec have all earned their spots in the national team. These players have consistently featured in recent call-ups by Coach Batista and are expected to play vital roles in the upcoming matches.
In the previous game, Venezuela secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile, and the contributions of Rafael Romo, Wilker Ángel, and Rómulo Otero were particularly instrumental in this win. Their consistent presence in the squad indicates Coach Batista’s trust in their abilities and potential to deliver for the team.
As the qualifying campaign intensifies, Venezuela’s football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how the squad will perform in the upcoming matches. The absence of Josef Martinez, a familiar face in the team, has left a significant void to fill in the forward position. The return of Edson Castillo, a talented midfielder, adds a new dimension to the squad’s capabilities.
Venezuela’s path to the 2026 World Cup is challenging, with strong competition from other South American teams. However, Coach Fernando Batista’s careful selection and the inclusion of promising talents from the LigaPro in Ecuador demonstrate his commitment to assembling the best possible squad for the task at hand.
Football fans across the nation will be following these upcoming qualifiers with bated breath, hoping that the Venezuelan squad, led by Coach Batista, can secure their place in the prestigious 2026 World Cup and make the country proud on the international stage.
