Two National Coaches Dismissed after Failing to Qualify for the World Cup

The South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have concluded. Six nations have already secured their places in the final tournament, while one additional team will proceed through the play-off route. However, Venezuela and Peru have been eliminated, and both federations have reacted by dismissing their respective coaches.

Venezuela remains the only South American nation never to have qualified for a World Cup. To keep their hopes alive, they needed a must-win result against Colombia in the final round. Instead, Venezuela suffered a crushing 6–3 defeat, which extinguished their qualification dream once again.

• Final Standing: 8th place with 18 points from 18 matches.
• Required: At least 7th place to enter the play-off.

Bolivia’s surprise 1–0 victory over Brazil pushed them into 7th place with 20 points, leaving Venezuela without any chance.

In response, the Venezuelan Football Federation announced the dismissal of head coach Fernando Batista, who had been in charge for 20 months. Aged 55, Batista was sacked with the statement: “As the objectives of this cycle (qualifiers) were not achieved, and desired results were not met, he has been relieved of his duties.”

Peru finished the campaign in 9th position on the table, with just 12 points from 18 matches, ahead of only Chile.

• Coach: Óscar Ibáñez, 58 years old.
• Appointment: Interim replacement after Jorge Fossati’s departure.
• Record under Ibáñez: 6 matches, 1 victory.

With this poor run, the Peruvian Football Federation decided to part ways with Ibáñez at the end of the qualifiers. Peru last appeared in a World Cup in 2018 (Russia).

The 2026 World Cup will be held for the first time with 48 teams, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. South America was allocated six direct qualification slots, with a 7th available via play-off.

Qualified Nations (Direct Entry)

Play-off Spot

Eliminated (Coach Dismissals)

Group Standings (Top Six)

Note: Positions 3–6 determined by goal difference as all finished on 28 points.

The end of the qualifiers saw Argentina dominate, while Bolivia kept their play-off hopes alive. For Venezuela and Peru, however, the campaign ended in managerial dismissals, symbolising yet another period of transition for two struggling South American footballing nations.