Spain continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday when they face Peru in an international friendly at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Spain football team X account went ahead to share video about their final training session before.
Widely regarded as one of the favourites for World Cup glory, Spain arrive unbeaten for more than a year and will be aiming to build further momentum ahead of the tournament. However, Peru will be hoping to produce a surprise result against the world’s second-ranked side and give their supporters a memorable occasion.
Peru, managed by Mano Menezes, narrowly missed out on qualification for the World Cup and are seeking positives ahead of the future. La Bicolor drew 2-2 with Honduras before coming from behind to defeat Haiti 2-1 in their latest outing, with late goals from Renzo Garcés and Jairo Vélez sealing the turnaround.
That victory means Peru have avoided defeat in three of their last four matches, with their only loss during that period coming against Senegal. Encouragingly for the South Americans, they have scored at least twice in three of their last four games and have found the net consistently in recent months.
Spain, meanwhile, are looking to rediscover winning form after back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iraq. Despite those results, Luis de la Fuente’s side remain unbeaten in nine matches since their penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final.
The last meeting between Spain and Peru came in 2008, when La Roja secured a 2-1 victory before going on to win UEFA Euro 2008 later that summer. Spain will hope this latest encounter can once again serve as a positive stepping stone toward success on the international stage.
With the World Cup rapidly approaching, both teams will view Tuesday’s contest as a valuable opportunity to fine-tune preparations, although Spain will undoubtedly enter the match as clear favourites.
Team News
Peru will be without winger Joao Grimaldo on Tuesday, as well as striker Alex Valera, who is recovering from a ligament injury.
In their absence, Menezes could opt for Jhonny Vidales to lead the line, flanked by the versatile Jairo Velez and Kenji Cabrera.
As for Spain, a number of players such as Pedri, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal were rested against Iraq as manager De la Fuente did not want to risk key personnel, and he may choose to do the same again in midweek.
In terms of existing fitness woes, starboy Lamine Yamal is working his way back from a hamstring injury he picked up in late April, and he looks set to sit out once again as a result.
Similarly, fellow wide man Nico Williams is closing in on a return to action – and could make his team’s World Cup opener – but he is likely to be sidelined on Tuesday.
With that in mind, La Roja may start Ferran Torres and Alex Baena out wide, from where they would support striker Borja Iglesias.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya could start between the posts after missing out on Spain’s friendly against Iraq due to his extended break following the Champions League final.
However, should Raya’s return to the XI be held back or delayed once again, then Barcelona shot-stopper Joan Garcia might be called upon in his stead.
Possible Lineups
Peru possible starting lineup:
Gallesse; Sonne, Garces, Barco, Lopez; Carrillo, Noriega, Concha; Velez, Vidales, Cabrera
Spain possible starting lineup:
Raya; Porro, Pubill, Laporte, Grimaldo; Gavi, Zubimendi; Torres, Olmo, Baena; Iglesias
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV Stream |
| Kick-off Time | 3:00am (WAT) |
Match Predictions
Softfootball predicts Peru 1-2 Spain
Peru have improved since missing out on the World Cup, but they will be hard-pressed to find success against Spain on Tuesday.
La Roja failed to beat either Egypt or Iraq, but they are still expecting to get the better of La Bicolor in midweek, though the underdogs could find themselves on the scoresheet.
Netherlands and Uzbekistan will clash at Icahn Stadium in New York today Monday in their final match before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Colombia and Jordan will conclude their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an international friendly on Sunday, in what will be only the second meeting between the two nations.
