Santos midfielder Tomás Rincón eyes 2026 World Cup with Venezuela | OneFootball

Record holder for games with the Venezuela national football team with 141 matches, Tomás Rincón is convinced that he still has the most important games of his life ahead, fighting for qualification to the 2026 World Cup, the only country in South America that has never participated in the tournament.

With one more point than Bolivia in the seventh position of the South American qualifiers, which grants access to the playoffs, Venezuela will face Argentina in Buenos Aires and then Colombia in Maturín.

“The most important games of my life”

Question: You've played 141 games with Venezuela. Are these the most important of your career?Rincón: “Without a doubt. It is the most important double date of my life and, I believe, of everyone who loves the national team. Hopefully, we can achieve what we've been pursuing for so many years.”

Rhythm and preparation at Santos

Question: You play regularly at Santos, even with the problems in the Brasileirão. How are you approaching the end of the qualifiers?Rincón: “I am in rhythm and that is important. Competing, more than the club's current situation, allows me to be physically and mentally well, because the national team games will be greatly decided by mental strength.”

“A beautiful pressure”

Question: Your experience and that of Salomón Rondón is vital. Do you talk about this?Rincón: “We always talk, not only with Salo, but with everyone: Nahuel (Ferraresi), Yangel (Herrera), Rafael Romo. We are aligned. There is pressure, but it is a beautiful pressure.”

Strategy against Argentina and Colombia

Question: How to approach these decisive games?Rincón: “With balance. Our key game is at home against Colombia, but we have to compete in Argentina. It's not unreasonable to think about scoring points in Buenos Aires and gaining momentum for Maturín.”

Midfield absences

Question: Herrera is injured and José ‘El Brujo’ Martínez is suspended. Does this increase your role in the midfield?Rincón: “Yangel's absence is tough, but it's part of football. I wish him and Brujo a speedy recovery. I am prepared and have longed for this moment.”

The captain's dream

Question: Do you see yourself in the World Cup?Rincón: “I visualize myself in the World Cup, I dream about it every day. Sometimes, I even get emotional talking to my family. Representing Vinotinto in the World Cup would be the peak of my career.”

Question: Would it be the perfect closure?Rincón: “I have always worked for the World Cup. I thought it would come sooner, but now we have this chance. Representing my country for so long is already a pride. Inheriting the captain's armband from Juan Arango was an even greater honor.”

Batista's confidence

Question: Coach Fernando Batista visited you in Brazil. What did he say?Rincón: “‘Bocha’ always made it clear that we would fight until the end. We wanted to be already qualified, but now it depends on us. We have a great opportunity and we need to seize it.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.