Venezuelans Cheer World Cup Despite National Team's Absence

Despite their national team's absence, Venezuelans embraced the 2026 World Cup with enthusiasm, gathering in public spaces across Caracas to watch the opening ceremony. Dressed in jerseys representing various nations like Spain, Argentina, and others, fans demonstrated their enduring passion for football.

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If not for Venezuela, unfortunately, we go for another. The important thing is to enjoy it, savor it, and celebrate it.

More than 100 fans of all ages convened in a Caracas plaza to watch the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on a large screen. The venue was adorned with flags from numerous countries, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Venezuelan populace. Mariana Silva, 41, wearing a Spanish team jersey, expressed the sentiment of many: "If not for Venezuela, unfortunately, we go for another. The important thing is to enjoy it, savor it, and celebrate it."

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Venezuela is multicultural and its citizens support all selections.

The shared experience extended beyond just watching games. In the same plaza, fans engaged in the daily ritual of exchanging World Cup stickers, a popular activity despite the country's economic challenges. A pack of seven stickers costs approximately $2.18, while a full box nears $200, a significant sum in a country where the minimum wage is equivalent to just 22 cents at the official exchange rate.

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Although Vinotinto is not there, we have Venezuelan representation.

The ceremony also featured a Venezuelan touch with singer Danny Ocean performing. His presence drew cheers and phone cameras, offering a moment of national pride. Aily Arcia, 42, acknowledged the disappointment of Venezuela not qualifying but maintained hope, stating, "Although Vinotinto is not there, we have Venezuelan representation." Jeremy Piñero, 21, wearing an Argentine jersey, shared his excitement for seeing legends like Messi and Ronaldo play their potential final World Cup matches, underscoring the deep-seated passion for the sport that transcends national team participation.

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They are playing their last matches and I want to take advantage of them as much as possible, because like those legends I don't think they will come out again.