Luis de la Fuente's squad aims to fine-tune performance after mixed results in warm-ups
Category: Sports
Spain faced Peru in a final warm-up match before the 2026 World Cup, held at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico, on June 8, 2026. The friendly was a key opportunity for the European champions to refine their tactics following a previous 1-1 draw against Iraq.
With the World Cup just days away, Spain, under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, aimed to establish momentum against a Peru side that struggled during the CONMEBOL qualifiers, finishing ninth out of ten teams and winning only two of their eighteen matches. The Spanish squad, bolstered by the return of key players, sought to lay down a marker ahead of their tournament opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
The friendly match kicked off at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) in the United States, with Spain looking to dominate early. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the first goal just one minute into the game, setting a confident tone for the European champions. Pedri doubled the lead in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from Ferran Torres.
Spain's starting lineup showcased a mix of experience and youth, with Rodri serving as captain. De la Fuente made nine changes from the previous match against Iraq, retaining only Aymeric Laporte and Álex Baena. New faces included midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Pedri, both of whom played key roles in maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Peru's coach, Mano Menezes, faced a challenging task. The South American side, which has only qualified for one World Cup in the last forty years, aimed to gain confidence from this match. They had shown some resilience in recent friendlies, including a 2-2 draw against Honduras and a victory over Haiti.
As the reigning European champions, Spain entered the tournament as one of the favorites. Their performance against Peru was seen as a necessary step to address inconsistencies noted in their previous matches. The squad had drawn with Iraq, raising questions about their readiness for the World Cup.
La Roja's preparation involved acclimatizing to the altitude of Puebla, situated at 6,500 feet above sea level, a factor that could influence their performance in the tournament. The team had flown to their World Cup base camp in Tennessee just days before the match, eager to finalize their strategies and formations.
In terms of injuries, Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, along with Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, were ruled out of the friendly due to hamstring issues but are expected to be fit for the World Cup opener against Cape Verde. Their absence was felt, but the depth of Spain's squad provided a buffer.
With the match concluded, Spain's focus will shift entirely to their World Cup campaign. They will return to their base camp after the friendly to prepare for their opening game against Cape Verde. The team is in Group H, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Spain's objective will be to secure a strong start, potentially clinching the top spot in their group early on.
On the other hand, Peru will have the summer to regroup and reassess following their failure to qualify for the World Cup. This match against Spain, though a loss, can provide valuable insights and experience for the players moving forward. Menezes's squad will look to build on their recent form in future competitions.
As the world gears up for the 2026 World Cup, Spain’s performance against Peru serves as a reminder of their storied history and aspirations to reclaim their place at the top of international football.
Fans can catch the match highlights and analysis on various platforms, including RTVE La 1 in Spain and Fox Sports 2 in the United States. With the tournament just around the corner, attention will turn to Spain as they seek to navigate the challenges ahead.