Called Up: Josef Martinez Called Up by Venezuela

Inter Miami CF forward Josef Martinez has been called up to represent the Venezuelan national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches during the September international break. 

The first match for Venezuela and Martinez of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers pertains to La Vinotinto hitting the road to face Colombia on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. ET at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia. For the next matchup, the team will stay home to take on Paraguay for their second qualifying match on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. ET at Estadio Monumental de Maturín in Maturín, Venezuela. 

Martínez has represented the Venezuelan national team 65 times in his career, registering 15 goals and three assists. Martínez started his international career in the youth national teams before making his international debut for the senior team in August 2011. He has featured for the team in three editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América, World Cup qualifiers, and international friendlies. Most recently, he featured in Venezuela’s 1-0 win over Guatemala in a friendly game during the June international break.

At the club level, Martinez bagged three goals registered and two assists in Inter Miami’s historic 2023 Leagues Cup title-winning campaign, in which he helped the team win its first official trophy. He has also made 20 MLS regular season appearances in 2023, recording six goals and an assist.

The striker will join the Venezuelan national team after Inter Miami faces LAFC on the road on Sept. 3 at BMO Stadium at 10 p.m ET.