Peru will host Paraguay in Matchday 18 of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers at Estadio Nacional in Lima. With each nations’ fates already determined, either side will look to shut out the marketing campaign with a morale-boosting victory of their last aggressive recreation earlier than 2026.
Peru’s hopes of reaching the World Cup formally ended earlier this window. La Blanquirroja wanted back-to-back wins in September to maintain their slim playoff probabilities alive, however these aspirations have been crushed in a 3-0 highway defeat to Uruguay. The consequence mathematically eradicated them from competition.
Paraguay, alternatively, arrives in Lima already celebrating. La Albirroja secured their spot on the 2026 World Cup with a scoreless draw towards Ecuador on Thursday. The consequence assured them sixth place within the standings, out of attain of Venezuela, and with it a direct ticket to the expanded 48-team event in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Paraguay celebrates historic qualification
For the primary time since 2010, Paraguay shall be again on soccer’s largest stage. In actual fact, this may mark their ninth look within the World Cup. The historic qualification prompted the Paraguayan authorities to declare a nationwide vacation final Friday, underlining the significance of the achievement.
Alan Benitez and Alex Arce of Paraguay have fun after qualifying to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Paraguay and Ecuador.
Head coach Gustavo Alfaro was emotional in reflecting on the milestone but additionally clear concerning the crew’s ambitions: “After we took on this problem, we have been satisfied that we may obtain it. I don’t need to go to the World Cup simply to participate — I need to go to compete for the easiest.”
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Projected lineups for Peru and Paraguay
Peru’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Pedro Gallese; Luis Advíncula, Carlos Zambrano, Renzo Garcés, Marcos López; Erick Noriega, Yoshimar Yotún, Sergio Peña; Andy Polo, Luis Ramos, Kenji Cabrera.
Head coach: Óscar Ibáñez.
Paraguay’s projected lineups (4-4-2): Roberto Fernández; Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, Miguel Almirón; Alejandro Romero, Antonio Sanabria.
Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro.
