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Spain Impress with Dominant Performance Over Peru in Last Friendly Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Spain and Peru players in a battle for the ball

Key Takeaways:

  • Spain secured a 3:1 victory over Peru in their final World Cup warm-up fixture
  • Mikel Oyarzabal scored within two minutes, with Pedri and Ferran Torres delivering standout performances
  • De la Fuente experimented with tactics in preparation for the forthcoming clash with Cape Verde on June 15

Match Analysis

Spain concluded their preparations for the 2026 World Cup in convincing fashion, defeating Peru 3:1 at the Cuauhtémoc Blanco Stadium in Puebla. The European champions, led by Luis de la Fuente, established control early in the match and never appeared threatened, despite Peru recording more overall attempts on goal.

Mikel Oyarzabal wasted little time in putting La Roja ahead, converting in the 2nd minute after sustained pressure and a well-timed pass from Pau Cubarsí. Unlike previous matches, Spain fielded a strong starting eleven that closely resembled their regular line-up. Marcos Llorente and Marc Cucurella provided width in defence, while Rodri and Pedri anchored the midfield, and Oyarzabal operated up front supported by Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz, and Álex Baena.

First Half Highlights

Although Peru were disciplined and denied their opponents the chance to extend the score for half an hour, Spain’s quality eventually broke through again. In the 31st minute, Ferran Torres advanced down the flank and combined brilliantly with Pedri, who calmly finished to double the Spanish advantage.

The encounter unfolded at a moderate tempo, reflecting the warm-up nature of the contest. Peru rarely controlled possession but organised themselves well enough to absorb several Spanish attacks in the opening period.

Second Half Developments

After the interval, De la Fuente rotated his squad, introducing David Raya, Eric García, Dani Olmo, and Yeremy Pino. The changes had an immediate impact: in the 53rd minute, Yeremy Pino’s incisive cross led to a mishap by Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, extending Spain’s lead to three.

Subsequent substitutions disrupted the flow of the game, and a defensive lapse by Eric García allowed Peru to reduce the deficit. Jairo Velez capitalised on the error in the 66th minute, netting the consolation goal for the South American side.

Statistics and Line-Ups

TeamScoreGoal Scorers
Spain3Mikel Oyarzabal (2′), Pedri (31′), Pedro Gallese (Own Goal 53′)
Peru1Jairo Velez (66′)

Tactical Insights and Preparation for Cape Verde

Luis de la Fuente took the opportunity to implement various tactical changes, providing valuable insights ahead of Spain’s group fixture with Cape Verde on June 15. Despite Peru’s increased shot count, Spain maintained overall control and rarely looked troubled, settling for a comfortable victory without seeking more goals in the closing stages.


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