Peru: Real test for Spain after experiments in World Cup warm-up

The Spanish national football team faces Peru in Puebla, Mexico, for its second and final preparation friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This match follows a 1-1 draw against Iraq, a game characterized by experimentation and the absence of ten of the 26 selected players.

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Spain's national team plays (2:00 GMT) against Peru in Puebla (Mexico) its second and final preparation friendly for the 2026 World Cup after drawing in the first against fellow World Cup participant Iraq (1-1), in a trial that prioritized experiments and lacked ten of the 26 called-up players.

Coach Luis de la Fuente plans to field a lineup against Peru that closely resembles the one intended for their World Cup opener on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta. However, three players are still recovering from muscle injuries and may only be available as substitutes for the first World Cup match. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz are continuing their rehabilitation.

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Against the Peruvian team, the scenario has changed and Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish coach, will field a team very similar to the one for the World Cup debut on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta.

Despite these absences, De la Fuente has the opportunity to test his full squad. Peru, managed by Mario Menezes, did not qualify for the World Cup but will serve as a sparring partner. They recently defeated Haiti 2-1 with late goals. Spain aims to elevate its performance level, following De la Fuente's assessment that the Iraq match was early in their training camp. The absence of wingers like Yamal and Williams opens opportunities for other players to compete for starting positions in the attack for the World Cup.

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With the entire squad available, but without three players at the same pace as their teammates due to injury. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz continue their recovery processes from their respective muscular discomforts which make them, if they make it, considered an alternative from the bench against the Cape Verdean squad.

Potential starters for the wing positions include Mikel Oyarzabal as the central striker, with Álex Baena and Ferrán Torres, who scored against Iraq, also in contention. Yeremy Pino's availability, after winning the Conference League, adds another competitive option. The match also presents a chance for De la Fuente to clarify his starting goalkeeper for the World Cup, a position that has generated external debate. Joan García started against Iraq and made an error, while Unai Simón, considered the likely choice, did not play. David Raya, also a contender, was not in the squad as he joined the team late after the Champions League final.

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Spain will face a Peruvian team that travels to Puebla (Mexico) as a 'sparring' partner for Luis de la Fuente's side, as they did not qualify for the World Cup.