7M - International Friendlies Preview: Peru vs Spain - prediction, team news, lineups

Spain will escalate their summer preparations on Tuesday when they meet Peru in an international friendly at the Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla City, Mexico. La Blanquirroja are looking to secure a major upset against the European heavyweights, while La Roja aim to rediscover their winning rhythm and protect a lengthy unbeaten streak that stretches back over a full year.

Match Preview

Managed by Mano Menezes, Peru enter this high-profile friendly having missed out on qualification for the World Cup finals for the second consecutive tournament cycle following their last appearance in 2018. Despite their absence from the main event, La Bicolor can build on an encouraging run of defensive and offensive solidity under Menezes, having avoided defeat in three of their last four outings.

A narrow recent victory has fueled optimism within the South American camp, particularly as they have managed to find the net at least twice in three of their last four fixtures. However, consistency remains an issue for the world-ranked 53rd side; Peru have failed to register back-to-back victories over the past 14 months and have not put together a three-match undefeated streak since June 2024. Tuesday's match offers a prime chance to test their limits against one of the top-tier nations in world football.

Spain, positioned second in the FIFA World Rankings, view this midweek clash as a crucial launching pad for their upcoming tournament campaign. Historically, a similar fixture against Peru in May 2008 resulted in a 2-1 victory under Luis Aragones, providing a perfect omen before they went on to capture the Euro 2008 title. Luis de la Fuente will be hoping for a similar psychological lift this time around.

La Roja remain unbeaten across the entire past calendar year, but their absolute momentum has slowed slightly following consecutive stalemates. De la Fuente's men were held to a scoreless draw by Egypt on March 31, which was followed by a frustrating 1-1 tie against Iraq last Thursday. With their highly anticipated World Cup opener against Cape Verde looming, this fixture represents the final opportunity to polish their frontline execution.

Team News

Peru will have to reshape their attacking options as winger Joao Grimaldo is unavailable, while forward Alex Valera continues his recovery from a ligament injury. In their absence, head coach Mano Menezes is expected to call upon Jhonny Vidales to lead the forward line, supported closely by Kenji Cabrera and Jairo Velez in advanced roles.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente will continue to heavily manage his squad's physical output. Key figures like Pedri, Rodri, and Mikel Oyarzabal were completely rested during the draw with Iraq to avoid injury risks, and a similar cautious strategy could be deployed on Tuesday.

In terms of existing fitness issues, Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal is still dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in late April and will sit this one out. Similarly, Nico Williams is on the verge of returning to full fitness but is highly unlikely to be risked before the Group H opener. Consequently, Ferran Torres and Alex Baena are line to start out wide to supply striker Borja Iglesias, while Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is set to start between the posts after his extended post-Champions League final break.

Predicted Lineups

Peru possible starting lineup:
Gallese; 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

Match Prediction: Peru 1-3 Spain

Peru have made clear strides under Menezes and possess enough attacking threat to break down elite lines, meaning they could easily find themselves on the scoresheet on Mexican soil. However, despite failing to secure wins in their previous two warm-up fixtures, Spain possess vast technical depth and defensive coordination. Expect La Roja to assert control over the midfield and ultimately outclass their opponents.