Paolo Guerrero, Peru’s all-time main scorer, is not going to take part within the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier towards Uruguay, prompting questions throughout the soccer world. As Peru continues its qualifying marketing campaign, the absence of the legendary striker is noteworthy. Right here’s why.
Essentially the most correct and up-to-date motive for Guerrero’s absence is his retirement from the nationwide workforce. On January 7, 2025, Guerrero formally introduced that he would now not play for Peru. The 41-year-old made it clear his final match was doubtless performed in Argentina and emphasised that giving alternatives to youthful gamers was now important.
This choice displays each the pure transition of the workforce and Guerrero’s acceptance of his evolving function—shifting apart for the subsequent technology as Peru tries to regroup amid a tricky qualification marketing campaign. Notably, Peru presently sits final within the standings with solely seven factors from 12 matches, making the rebuild all of the extra pressing.
A short return from retirement
Guerrero did momentarily reverse his choice. In March 2025, new coach Óscar Ibáñez recalled him to the nationwide squad for qualifiers towards Bolivia and Venezuela. Remarkably, Guerrero scored his fortieth worldwide purpose, changing into the oldest participant to attain in a South American World Cup qualifier at 41 years and 78 days.
Peru should win its matches with a purpose to qualify for the World Cup and hope for different outcomes.
Nonetheless, this call-up seems to have been an distinctive case somewhat than a full reversal of his retirement. Guerrero’s presence within the squad now would contradict his public-facing choice to step away.
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Why he wasn’t chosen for Uruguay
Given his retirement and the temporary, remoted return request, Pochettino and the present teaching workers have opted to not embody Guerrero within the upcoming qualifying match towards Uruguay. Take into account that:
- Guerrero is now not an lively or everlasting member of the nationwide workforce roster.
- His re-inclusion would deviate from the strategic youth transition Peru wants.
- The teaching workers—targeted on rebuilding—depends on out there, common contributors somewhat than one-off appearances.
Paolo Guerrero’s absence in Peru’s match versus Uruguay stems from a heartfelt and deliberate choice to retire from worldwide soccer in early 2025. Although he briefly returned beneath particular circumstances, the nationwide workforce is now shifting ahead beneath the route of latest management. With Guerrero’s legacy securely established, the main focus shifts to the long run as Peru navigates a difficult qualification panorama.
