Spain beats Peru 3-1 in Puebla friendly, shifts focus to World Cup opener against Cape Verde
European champion Spain closed its World Cup preparations with a 3-1 victory over Peru in Puebla, Mexico, six days before its tournament debut against Cape Verde.
Spain completed its final preparation match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 3-1 win against Peru on Monday at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. The European champions fielded a starting eleven that coach Luis de la Fuente indicated will be very close to the one that faces Cape Verde on 15 June in Atlanta.
Dominant performance from the start
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring after just two minutes with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the area, catching goalkeeper Pedro Gallese out of position. The Real Sociedad forward has now scored in six consecutive matches for the national team. Pedri doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, tapping into an empty net after a low cross from Ferran Torres. Spain's third goal came early in the second half when a delivery from Yeremy Pino forced an own goal by Gallese. Jairo Vélez pulled one back for Peru in the 66th minute with a low finish.
De la Fuente's midfield confidence
Speaking after the match, De la Fuente expressed satisfaction with his team's condition.
He made a bold claim about his midfield options, naming Pedri, Rodri, Fabián, Mikel Merino, Gavi and Zubimendi.We are very satisfied. The players have arrived in good shape and at a good level. We still have a week of preparation, but I am very happy with the team's performance.
I think we have the six best midfielders in the world.
Unusual atmosphere in Puebla
The match was played in a peculiar atmosphere at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc, where the local organisers provided a soundtrack of rancheras, Queen songs and video-game sound effects during play. A kiss cam appeared on the video screen during a corner kick, and the Spanish national anthem played for over two minutes in an extended version that drew smiles from the players. The pitch was extremely dry and the city's altitude exceeds 2,100 metres, adding to the unusual conditions.
Injuries and lineup decisions
Spain was without star wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both sidelined on medical recommendation, along with Víctor Muñoz. Álex Baena and Ferran Torres started on the wings in their absence. De la Fuente used every outfield player except goalkeeper Joan García, aiming to keep the entire squad match-fit. The coach confirmed that the lineup against Peru is close to what he will deploy against Cape Verde: Unai Simón, Marcos Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Fabián, Baena, Ferran and Oyarzabal.
World Cup group stage ahead
Spain competes in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The opening match against Cape Verde kicks off on Monday 15 June at 18:00 Spanish peninsular time. The team then faces Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June. Peru, undergoing a rebuilding phase with only two wins in its last 12 matches, did not qualify for the tournament. Former Brazil coach Mano Menezes, now managing Peru, backed Spain to win the World Cup, calling their work "solid and consistent" while noting that Brazil is "under construction."
- Mikel Oyarzabal scores from outside the area to give Spain a 1-0 lead
- Pedri doubles Spain's advantage, finishing a Ferran Torres cross
- Pedro Gallese scores an own goal after a Yeremy Pino delivery, making it 3-0
- Jairo Vélez pulls one back for Peru with a low shot
