Venezuela’s national football team has been thrown into disarray just days before its Copa América opener, after eight players tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the federation to urgently call up 15 replacement players.
With infections rising across several squads, the South American Football Confederation scrapped limits on roster changes — an extraordinary move underscoring the tournament’s growing health concerns.
Venezuela now faces an uphill battle in its first match against host nation and defending champion Brazil, led by superstar Neymar. The game kicks off Sunday at 11 p.m. at Brasília’s Estádio Nacional.
But the squad crisis is deeper than numbers.
“We will play with eleven players who have never trained or played together,” Venezuelan coach José Peseiro told ORF, highlighting the unprecedented challenge.
Bolivia is facing similar problems, confirming three infected players and one staff member, raising further questions about the safety and competitiveness of the tournament.
As Copa América kicks off, teams across the continent are now battling two opponents: their rivals — and the virus.