# Venezuelan national and youth sports developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-national-and-youth-sports-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-09T16:27:49.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

Venezuelan youth and national sports teams have been active in international competitions and preparations for upcoming regional events.

In August 2026, the Venezuelan women’s U17 volleyball team concluded its World Championship campaign, finishing 14th. After an opening round featuring three wins and two losses, the team advanced to the knockout stages but was defeated by Chinese Taipei in the round of 16 and subsequently lost to Poland in the classification round.

Following these results, Venezuela finalized its rosters for wrestling and judo to compete in the XIII South American Games in Santa Fe 2026. The wrestling squad, which includes veteran Greco-Roman wrestler Luillys Pérez, seeks a fourth consecutive title. The judo roster features prominent athletes such as two-time Olympian Anriquelis Barrios, Karen León, and Elvismar Rodríguez—both seeking to defend their 2022 titles—alongside Pan American champion Willis García as they progress through the Olympic cycle toward Los Angeles 2028.

By early September 2026, the national delegation for the Santa Fe South American Games began its departure, with initial groups including athletes from shooting, gymnastics, and swimming. Additionally, coach Mike Guerra announced a 14-player roster for the Venezuelan women’s U-20 futsal team to compete in the CONMEBOL South American Championship in Barquisimeto, scheduled for mid-September.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Colombia women's U-20 team draws with Portugal in World Cup

Colombia's women's U-20 team drew 0-0 with Portugal in the World Cup, while Venezuela prepares delegations for the 2026 South American Games and the U-20 women's futsal championship.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-names-14-players-for-u-20-womens-futsal-championship

### 2026-08-23: Venezuela selects wrestling and judo teams for Santa Fe 2026

Venezuela has announced its wrestling and judo rosters for the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games, featuring top athletes aiming to defend previous titles and prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-selects-wrestling-and-judo-teams-for-santa-fe-2026

### 2026-08-17: Youth sports updates: Venezuela volleyball and Bolivian chess results

Venezuela's U17 women's volleyball team placed 14th at the World Championship, while youth chess players in Bolivia secured spots for the South American Youth Festival qualifiers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/youth-sports-updates-venezuela-volleyball-and-bolivian-chess-results

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Cite as: Venezuelan national and youth sports developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-national-and-youth-sports-developments