Caracas begins another attempt to carry Venezuela towards the World Cup stage with Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, the former international defender and briefly a player at Club América, appointed as the Vinotinto’s senior national-team coach at the age of 42.
A new cycle after World Cup disappointment
Venezuela were unable to claim one of the 48 places at the most recent World Cup, prompting a change of direction for a side now expected to produce results quickly if it is to build towards a more ambitious future.
Vizcarrondo takes over the full national side after a coaching route that has moved through women’s football, club work in France and Venezuela’s youth set-up. His first squad has already brought notable omissions ahead of friendlies against Japan and South Korea.
- Jefferson Savarino has not been included.
- Yeferson Soteldo is also absent from the initial call-up.
- Veteran striker Salomón Rondón has been left out as well.
From Coapa to the Vinotinto bench
For followers of Mexican football, Vizcarrondo’s name recalls a short spell in Mexico City with América. The Venezuelan joined the club for the Clausura 2012 tournament, appearing in 12 matches and scoring once.
That goal came away to Atlante, when the Cancun-based Potros de Hierro were still playing their home fixtures in the Caribbean city. His América record also included six yellow cards, while he made one appearance for the club’s Under-20 side.
His stay in Coapa lasted only one tournament. He departed for Lanús, returned briefly to América after that loan period, and then continued his career in France with Nantes, the club for which he made the most appearances during his playing days.
Coaching path through France and Venezuela
Vizcarrondo ended his professional playing career in 2021, with French club Sautron his final team. He did not immediately move into management, beginning his coaching work in women’s football in 2022.
A year later he returned to Nantes as an assistant coach, before moving back into Venezuela’s national-team structure. His progression has been rapid:
- He became an assistant with Venezuela’s Under-17 team in 2023.
- He subsequently took charge of the Under-17s.
- He then served as interim coach of the Under-15 side, overseeing four matches.
- That was followed by an interim role with the senior Venezuela team, where he led one match.
- He has now been confirmed as the permanent head coach of the Vinotinto.
The appointment gives Vizcarrondo responsibility for steering Venezuela into its next international chapter, with the meetings against Japan and South Korea providing the first public signs of how his selection and leadership will shape the side.
