Vizcarrondo: Venezuela must start as we mean to go on

Oswaldo Vizcarrondo speaks to FIFA about his new role with Venezuela, the upcoming FIFA Series and his long-term goals with the national team.

• Vizcarrondo was named permanent Venezuela coach in January
• His first tests come against Trinidad and Tobago then Uzbekistan
• Former defender has sights set on reaching 2030 FIFA World Cup

In the modern game, long-term projects are few and far between. Although football is very much a results-driven business, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo has been fortunate enough to land a role in which there is a clear road map for the next eight years. The former centre-back has been entrusted with leading the Venezuelan Football Association’s strategic plan, entitled Camino Vinotinto 2026-2034, the main objective of which is to lead the nation to a maiden FIFA World Cup™.

Caracas-born Vizcarrondo was in charge of his country’s U-17 team at last November’s global showpiece in Qatar after having been handed the reins of the senior side on an interim basis in September. The association’s top brass made the appointment permanent in January.

The first assignments of his tenure come in the FIFA Series 2026™ in Uzbekistan, where La Vinotinto face Trinidad and Tobago on Friday before rounding off their campaign against the hosts next Monday. Beyond that, the talented tactician has his eyes firmly on the ultimate prize: qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2030™.

The Venezuelan legend sat down with FIFA to discuss the current state of play with the national team and what lies ahead.

---

FIFA: Just how much does this new adventure with Venezuela mean to you?

Oswaldo Vizcarrondo: It’s a wonderful challenge and a very important step in my career. The fact that I played for the national team gives me a clear perspective of things. I have a different role now, and it’s one that comes with great responsibility.

We believe that we have an opportunity to get ahead of the game. This year’s World Cup hasn’t even kicked off yet, and we can begin to reap the benefits now, while also laying the foundations for our medium- and long-term success. On the back of three friendlies, our reign is now under way. We’ve brought in some experienced players to pass on their knowledge and help with the transition.

We’ve got two matches in Uzbekistan against opposition with different playing styles. These games will enable us to assess how each player performs in a match scenario, which is a key factor when it comes to squad selection.

Did you expect to be appointed head coach of the senior side so soon?

My goal has always been to be part of the national-team set-up. During my playing days, I always put my country before my clubs. If I wasn’t getting the game time at club level that I needed to perform to my best for the national team, I’d look to move on. Now that my role has changed, I play a much more significant part in the decision-making processes. Ultimately, however, the players are responsible for executing the plan. I embarked on a journey in which my aim was to be involved with the national team again.

I studied and learned the ropes in France before securing a coaching role with the Venezuelan U-17s. Although I’d coached at the South American U-15 Championship, the logical step would’ve been for me to work with the U-20s, but destiny sometimes propels you forward in leaps and bounds.

Nowadays, you don’t often come across projects with such a long-term outlook, which I imagine helps you and your coaching staff to implement your philosophy.

The association has put a strategic plan in place. We can’t get away from the fact that results are the be-all and end-all in this game. If you don’t get the results, you end up paying the price.

The key is to embrace that idea and ensure that we stick to our game plan, because there’s no point in playing well if you don’t pose a threat and aren’t clinical in front of goal. That’s what we’re looking to do. It’s all about supporting the players in their preparations at their clubs and making sure they always have one eye on the national team, just as I did during my playing days.

What are your objectives for your team’s two matches in this FIFA Series?

We need to continue developing what we want to see off the pitch. We want to run the rule over the players in match action, and, by rotating the squad, we’ll give each of them the chance to show what they can do. The players must make the most of that because, in football, you often only get one shot at things. If you don’t take your opportunity, it might never come round again. We want to take a good look to see what the players are capable of on the international stage.

You coached your country at last year’s U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where you made it to the knockout stage. How are things looking for Venezuela’s youth teams at the moment?

In fact, I was initially meant to take charge of the U-20 side. I think there’s a great deal of talent and real strength in depth. We’re trying to create a clear pathway across the age groups. I spent a lot of time with the players born in 2008 [those who competed at Qatar 2025] so I’m well aware of exactly what they can do.

I handed over the reins to the new head coach and explained each player’s strengths and how to get the best out of them as they develop. Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup across all age categories. Everything we experienced during our preparations for the U-17 World Cup in Qatar and at the tournament itself is something that future generations can’t afford to miss out on; we simply have to qualify.

If we succeed in getting five generations to compete in five consecutive editions of the U-17 World Cup in Qatar, it’d be hugely beneficial for Venezuelan football. We haven’t qualified for the U-20 World Cup for a long time, so we’re looking to put that right. We have all the tools, but first we have to get through an extremely demanding South American qualifying campaign.

Although 2030 is still a long way off, is the prospect of leading Venezuela to their first-ever World Cup often in your thoughts?

Absolutely. Since our focus isn’t on the upcoming World Cup; we’re already looking towards what comes after it. This gives us the advantage of being able to plan ahead. Qualifying is always in the back of everyone’s mind, both the players’ and mine. Before that, we’ve got the [CONMEBOL] Copa America, where we’re keen to make our mark.

We can’t go getting ahead of ourselves, but the prospect of playing at a World Cup is never far from our thoughts. The players and the coaching staff have to be ambitious, but the focus must be on the here and now. Right now, our priority is on these two FIFA Series matches, as we look to start as we mean to go on.