CARACAS – Venezuela national team manager Oswaldo Vizcarrondo has announced a 28-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA Series matches in March. La Vinotinto will face Trinidad and Tobago on March 27th and Uzbekistan on March 30th, both matches taking place in Uzbekistan at the Pakhtakor and Bunyodkor stadiums. The series serves as crucial preparation for Venezuela as they continue building momentum and evaluating players ahead of future competitions.
The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, reflecting Vizcarrondo’s desire to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development. According to reports, Daniel Pereira and Yangel Herrera were not included due to injury, while Ender Echenique is currently resolving visa issues that prevent his participation.
Goalkeeping Depth
Vizcarrondo has placed his trust in José Contreras, currently with Barcelona SC, and Cristopher Varela of Deportivo La Guaira as the primary goalkeepers. Providing depth and potential for the future are Jesús Camargo (Deportivo Táchira) and Frankarlos Benítez (Caracas FC). This mix of experience and youth aims to provide stability and competition within the goalkeeping ranks.
Solid Defensive Lineup
The defensive line is anchored by Nahuel Ferraresi, who plays for Botafogo, and Jon Aramburu of Real Sociedad. Both players bring valuable experience from competing in international leagues. Supporting them will be Teo Quintero (Netherlands), Luis Balbo (Fiorentina, Italy), Carlos Vivas (Inter De Bogotá, Colombia), and Andrusw Araujo (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine). This selection provides a diverse range of defensive capabilities and tactical flexibility.
Dynamic Midfield Options
The midfield is arguably the most diverse area of the squad, boasting a wealth of options. Jefferson Savarino (Fluminense) returns to the national team setup, bringing his attacking flair. Cristian Cásseres (Toulouse FC) adds dynamism and work rate. Players from Major League Soccer are also represented, with Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami) and David Martínez (LAFC) earning call-ups. Keiber Lamadrid (West Ham United) also features, showcasing the growing presence of Venezuelan talent in European leagues. From the domestic league, Gustavo González (Academia Puerto Cabello), Luis “Cariaco” González, and Carlos Sosa (Deportivo Táchira) provide valuable experience and local knowledge.
Attacking Prowess
Leading the attack is captain Salomón Rondón (Pachuca), a proven goalscorer and a key figure for La Vinotinto. He will be supported by Alejandro Marqués and Jesús Ramírez, both playing their club football in Portugal. Completing the forward line is Jovanny Bolívar (UCV FC), the current top scorer in the Venezuelan domestic league, offering a local element to the attacking options.
The FIFA Series provides a valuable opportunity for Venezuela to test their squad against diverse opposition. Facing Trinidad and Tobago and Uzbekistan will offer different tactical challenges, allowing Vizcarrondo to assess his players’ adaptability and identify areas for improvement. The matches in Uzbekistan will be played under potentially challenging conditions, offering a realistic preparation environment for future qualifying campaigns.
Venezuela’s participation in the FIFA Series is part of a broader initiative by FIFA to provide more competitive international matches for national teams outside of the traditional qualifying windows. The tournament, which features 36 teams from six confederations, aims to increase global football development and provide opportunities for players to gain valuable international experience. The 2026 edition will see nine different four-team series taking place across eight host countries, including Uzbekistan, Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Puerto Rico, and Rwanda.
Following the matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Uzbekistan, the Venezuelan national team will likely return to their respective clubs before reconvening for future international commitments. The results and performances in the FIFA Series will undoubtedly influence Vizcarrondo’s future squad selections and tactical approaches.
Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive official updates through the official Twitter account of La Vinotinto (@SeleVinotinto). The next confirmed checkpoint for the national team is the match against Trinidad and Tobago on March 27th.
