[World Cup](https://www.claretandhugh.info/mexican-frontman-on-west-hams-watchlist-at-summer-world-cup-report/) qualification hits the headlines this week as the semi finals were completed and the final tournament places for the June 26 competition will all be assigned next week.
However a host of friendlies have also taken place both at junior and senior levels as qualified sides or those already out of the tournament plan for their own futures.
Step forward West Ham United’s loanee, young Venezuelan winger **Keiber Lamadrid.**
Just 22 years old and far from home in east London, the Hammers’ bright prospect is on just a half-season loan in London to try and impress. Whilst he may not have broken into the West Ham United first team, he received his second international cap for his Venezuela side in their match against Trinidad and Tobago.
According to [whufc.com:](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/internationals-or-lamadrid-starts-in-venezuela-win)
_“**Keiber Lamadrid** won his second senior Venezuela cap as La Vinotinto triumphed 4-1 against Trinidad & Tobago in the 2026 FIFA Series on Friday.Venezuela began their two-match campaign by seeing off their opponents from the Caribbean – coming from behind to do so with a strong second-half display._
_22-year-old Lamadrid, currently on loan with the Hammers from Deportivo La Guaira in his homeland, was withdrawn with 62 minutes played at the Pakhator Central Stadium.”_
Which can only enhance the young man’s confidence in a West Ham shirt for the remainder of the season. Anyone who gets the call for his country can feel justly proud and Lamadrid will be no exception.
Whether he returns to play any sort of a part in Nuno’s attempt to save West Ham from relegation remains to be seen.