Kelsy to join Venezuela for a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina and Colombia
PORTLAND, Ore. –  Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy has been called into the Venezuelan Men’s National Team for a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in the September FIFA international period, the Venezuelan Football Federation announced today.
Venezuela will play the first of two matches against Argentina on September 4 at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Then, Kelsy and La Vinotinto will host Colombia on September 9 at Estadio Monumental de MaturÃn in Venezuela.
This marks Kelsy’s second call up to the senior national team, although he has yet to debut for Venezuela. Kelsy has made 16 appearances for Venezuela’s U23 and U20 sides, registering four goals at the youth level. His most recent goal for Venezuela’s U23s came as the game-tying goal in the 100th minute of a 2-2 draw against Argentina’s U23s on February 5, 2024. This season, Kelsy leads the Timbers in goals in regular season (7) and across all competitions (9).
WHAT | WHEN | WHERE |
Venezuela vs. Argentina(WCQ) | Sept. 44:30pm PT | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Venezuela vs. Colombia(WCQ) | Sept. 94:30pm PT | Estadio Monumental de MaturÃn, MaturÃn, Venezuela |
!["[We need] to be in the game at all times" | Jimer Fory talks to media](https://images.mlssoccer.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_8_desktop_mobile/f_auto/mls-por/xsmkonoftyvivq3ibl1z)
