Match preview for Peru vs Spain
Spain continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup when they take on Peru in Puebla on Tuesday, with Luis de la Fuente’s side aiming to return to winning ways before their tournament opener against Cape Verde.
La Roja head into the contest as one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer, although they have not won either of their last two matches. Following a goalless draw with Egypt in March, Spain were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Iraq last week in another warm-up fixture.
Despite those recent frustrations, Spain remain unbeaten in their last nine matches, a run stretching back to their penalty shootout defeat against Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final.
Peru, meanwhile, are looking to build momentum after missing out on qualification for the World Cup. Mano Menezes’s side have shown signs of improvement in recent months and will be encouraged by Saturday’s 2-1 win over Haiti, where late goals from Renzo Garces and Jairo Velez secured the win.
That result means La Bicolor have avoided defeat in three of their last four matches, while they have scored at least twice in three of those outings.
The two nations have not met since May 2008, when Spain recorded a 2-1 win in a friendly shortly before going on to win Euro 2008. De la Fuente will hope for another positive result as his side look to head into the World Cup with confidence restored.
Team news for Peru vs Spain
Peru are without Joao Grimaldo and Alex Valera, with the latter continuing his recovery from a ligament injury.
Their absences could see Jhonny Vidales lead the attack, supported by Jairo Velez and Kenji Cabrera, while experienced goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is expected to retain his place between the posts.
Spain remain cautious with several key players. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are both continuing their recoveries from hamstring injuries and are unlikely to feature against Peru.
However, De la Fuente has provided a positive update ahead of the World Cup, saying: “Nico, Lamine and Victor are meeting recovery deadlines, they are doing very well.”
The Spain boss added: “I think the three of them will be able to be there for the next game and available. It’s great news. If there are no problems these days, we estimate that they are available to count on them on the 15th.”
Pedri, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal were rested against Iraq and may again be protected ahead of the tournament, while David Raya is in contention to return after missing the previous friendly following an extended break after the Champions League final.
Expected line-ups for Peru vs Spain
Peru: Gallese; Sonne, Garces, Barco, Lopez; Carrillo, Noriega, Concha; Velez, Vidales, Cabrera
Spain: Raya; Porro, Pubill, Laporte, Grimaldo; Gavi, Zubimendi; Torres, Olmo, Baena; Iglesias
Where to watch Peru vs Spain: TV channel, online live stream
Kick-off is at 03:00 BST on Tuesday, June 9, from Puebla in Mexico.
Fans in the UK can watch the match on Prime Video.
Stats for Peru vs Spain
- Peru are unbeaten in three of their last four matches across all competitions
- La Bicolor have scored at least two goals in three of their last four games
- Peru have found the net in six of their previous seven matches
- Spain are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions
- La Roja have recorded six wins and three draws during that nine-match run
- Spain have not lost since the 2025 Nations League final against Portugal
- The last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-1 Spain victory in May 2008
- Spain went on to win Euro 2008 after beating Peru in that friendly
- Peru have not qualified for the World Cup since appearing at the 2018 tournament
- Spain are currently ranked second in the FIFA World Rankings, while Peru are 53rd
Prediction for Peru vs Spain
Peru have shown encouraging signs in recent months and are capable of causing problems in attack, particularly given their recent scoring record.
However, Spain possess significantly greater quality throughout the squad and should have enough firepower to secure a comfortable victory, even if Peru manage to get on the scoresheet.
Prediction: Peru 1-3 Spain
