Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Peru will look to get their revenge on Bolivia for a 1-0 loss in La Paz when the two teams face each other at Estadio Nacional de Lima on Friday morning. La Blanquirroja aim to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at La Verde. Experienced winger Jefferson Farfan made the cut, while Santiago Ortuno has been left out of the squad. Gianluca Lapadula is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts.
The Bolivians, on the other hand, continue with their old habit of producing much better showings at home than on the travels, and that is the main reason why we are tempted to put our money on Peru. You should know that La Verde are on a three-game losing run on the road in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. The good news for the visitors is that Always Ready attacker Carmelo Algaranaz has overcome his injury.
Highlighted Player (Carlos Zambrano):
Carlos Zambrano is a 26-year-old Peruvian footballer who represents Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The talented centre back is often credited to be one of the most promising defenders coming from his nation. Zambrano is well known for his strong tackling and excellent defensive organization capabilities.
Starting his youth career with Cantolao, he was quickly snapped up by Bundesliga team Schalke 04. He was a regular starter for their youth team and was soon made the captain. He was a cornerstone of their defence and was soon promoted to the first team of Schalke. In 2012, he signed on to play for Eintracht Frankfurt and has already represented them in more than 80 matches.
Zambrano made his senior debut with Peru in 2008. He was chosen to represent the team in 2011 Copa America only to see an injury clamp his participation. Zambrano has represented Peru in 43 games so far scoring four goals.
Highlighted Team (Bolivia):
Bolivian Football Federation has been established in 1926 and it is one of the 10 member of South American Football Confederation. Managed by Julio César Baldivieso, La Verde have gone through difficult times since their second place finish at Copa America 1997.
Three-time World Cup participants have last appeared at the global stage in 1994 and they have never gone past the first round on any of the three tournaments, scoring only one goal at the tournament held in the USA. Bolivia took part in 24 Copa America tournaments since their debut in 1926 and the most prominent result was their 1963 title.
Luis Hector Cristaldo and Marco Sandy are the two players with most caps for Bolivia with their 93 international appearances, while Joaquin Botero’s name still stands at the top of the scoring charts with the former Bolivian international netting 20 during his time with the national team.