Thu Sep 11 09:31:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

**Venezuela Sacks Coach After World Cup Qualification Dream Crumbles in 6-3 Loss to Colombia**

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed on Tuesday in a humiliating 6-3 home defeat to Colombia. The loss, witnessed by a disappointed nation, has triggered a dramatic shakeup within the national team.

Just one day after the crushing defeat, the Venezuelan Football Federation, reportedly acting on the orders of President Nicolas Maduro, sacked Argentinian coach Fernando Batista and his entire backroom staff.

“Yesterday we suffered a painful defeat,” stated Maduro. “All of Venezuela demands a restructuring of the technical staff of the Vinotinto, a reorganisation of the strategy, of the doctrine and of the line of combat and hard work.”

The expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams had fueled optimism in Venezuela, the only CONMEBOL nation never to have qualified for the tournament. However, the loss to Colombia, coupled with Bolivia’s unexpected 1-0 victory over Brazil, eliminated their chances of securing even an intercontinental playoff spot.

Venezuela wasn’t the only South American nation making changes at the top. Peru, whose qualification hopes had already ended, also dismissed coach Oscar Ibanez after a dismal campaign that saw them finish with just two wins in 18 matches. The future of both nations’ football programs is now uncertain as they begin the search for new leadership.

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