Venezuela Parts Ways โwith Manager Batista Following World Cup โQualifying Failure
CARACAS – The Venezuelan โคFootball Federationโฃ (FVF) announced today the โdismissal of Fernando “Bocha” โฃBatista as manager โคofโค the nationalโ team, concluding โhis cycle after failing to โqualify for the 2026 โขFIFA World Cup. The decision,โข made after a particularly stinging โdefeat to Colombia, signals a important shift for Venezuelan football as โit seeks to achieve its first-ever World Cup berth.
Theโ FVF statement acknowledged Batista’s effort and dedication โbut emphasized that the sporting objectives set for this qualifying cycle wereโฃ not met. Despite moments of competitive character and football evolution,โฃ the team ultimately fell short of expectations. The move underscores the high stakes and pressure โsurrounding the Vinotinto’s pursuit of World Cup qualification,โข a goal that remains elusive for the nation.
Batista managed a total ofโค 28 games with Venezuela, achievingโ 9 wins, 8 draws, and โ11 losses – a 41.6% win rate. While he established โaโค strong home record in Maturรญn,losing only one qualifier on home soil,the recent results proved insufficient.
The qualifying campaignโ culminated in a heartbreaking loss to Colombia, โคa game where Venezuela initially took a 2-0 lead within the first 12 minutes before โขultimately โsuccumbing to defeat. Venezuelan press outlets have described the result asโค “the greatest failure in history.” Theโฃ FVF hopes โขa change in leadership will โฃrevitalize โคthe programโ and propel it toward future success.