Spain deserved more from recent clashes against Egypt and Iraq (both ended without a winner), missing a lot of great chances. I expect them to bounce back against Peru who are looking for consistency under new coach Menezes.
Key Stats
- Peru have lost 5 of their last 9 matches.
- Spain have won their last 3 matches against Peru.
- Spain have won to nil in 6 of their last 9 matches.
Three Previous Meetings
These two sides locked horns three times so far and Spain won all three encounters (all of them were friendly matches).
Peru Under New Leadership
Peru had a disappointing run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, grabbing just 12 points in 18 matches to finish just above the last place, nowhere close to the playoff spot.
They appointed Mano Menezes as the new national coach in late January, and things didn’t improve much under new leadership, recording a 2-0 loss to Senegal and a 2-2 draw against Honduras in late March.
Last week, Peru locked horns against WC 2026 participants Haiti and won 2-1, scoring two late goals through Renzo Garces and Jairo Velez. It was a well-deserved victory, having higher xG, possession and more shots than opposition.
Spain Missing a lot of Goal Chances Lately
Spain had a great run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, topping Group E with five victories and one draw to finish ahead of Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria with a 21-2 difference.
The Red Fury started 2026 with a commanding 3-0 victory against Serbia where Mikel Oyarzabal netted a brace in the first half, followed by a goalless draw against Egypt where they had 2.50-0.15 xG, 61% possession and 25-4 shots.
Spain were tagged massive favorites in last week’s friendly against Iraq, gained an early lead through Ferran Torres but ultimately had to settle for a 1-1 draw, once again failing to convert high number of goal opportunities.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Peru (4-3-3) Pedro Gallese; Oliver Sonne, Renzo Garces, Alfonso Barco, Marcos Lopez; Andre Carrillo, Erick Noriega, Jairo Concha; Jairo Velez, Jhonny Vidales, Kenji Cabrera
Winger Joao Grimaldo and striker Alex Valera are injured for Peru, which forces Jhonny Vidales to lead the attack.
Winger Joao Grimaldo and striker Alex Valera are injured for Peru, which forces Jhonny Vidales to lead the attack.
Spain (4-2-3-1) David Raya; Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Aymeric Laporte, Alejandro Grimaldo; Gavi, Martin Zubimendi; Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Borja Iglesias
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are still on the sidelines due to injuries, while Rodri and Pedri are likely to be rested here.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are still on the sidelines due to injuries, while Rodri and Pedri are likely to be rested here.