Peru to play World Cup qualifiers in high-altitude cities of Cusco and Puno

Peru's national football team will host its 2030 World Cup qualifying matches in a strategic selection of cities, including the high-altitude locations of Cusco and Puno. The Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) confirmed that matches will be played in Lima, as well as in stadiums situated over 3,300 meters above sea level in the southern cities.

Agustín Lozano, president of the FPF, announced the decision via a video on the federation's official channel, Bicolor+. The technical command, led by Brazilian coach Mano Menezes, collaborated with federation officials to choose these venues. Lozano emphasized that these locations, "Our regions, our venues," will be utilized to compete for a spot in the 2030 World Cup.

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Our next qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will have three venues.

Cusco sits at approximately 3,300 meters, while Puno reaches over 3,800 meters. These significant altitudes present a considerable challenge for visiting teams, a factor Peru aims to exploit. Menezes had previously indicated plans to play in Lima and another Andean city, with stadium suitability assessments now underway.

Peru has not qualified for the World Cup since the 2018 tournament in Russia. Under Menezes's guidance, the team is undergoing a generational change, a crucial element of their strategic plan to secure qualification for the 2030 World Cup. The use of high-altitude venues is a key component of this ambitious effort.

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These are our regions, our venues, with which we can make ourselves available to Conmebol and FIFA, and fight to be in the next World Cup 2030.