Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
There will be fireworks when Peru and Chile take on each other at Estadio Nacional in Lima in the South America WC qualifiers round 11. The Peruvians aim to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Brazil, and seeing that they are six points behind top five, this has to go down as a must-win game for the home side. Both Paolo Guerrero and Gianluca Lapadula made the cut, with Edison Flores, Luis Advincula, Gabriel Costa, and Raul Ruidiaz returning to the squad. The likes of Carlos Zambrano, Pedro Aquino, and Santiago Ormeno have been left out of the squad this time out. La Roja, on the other hand, have been performing below expectations in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Chile aim to put an end to their six-game winless run in the process, but they will have to do it without injured attackers Eduardo Vargas and Bastian Yanez. Even though experienced forward Alexis Sanchez is back, we are tempted to put our money on Peru, who are a real force to be reckoned with at home. To make things even worse for the visitors, Arturo Vidal is sidelined through suspension.
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 (Chile):
The Chilean Football Federation has been established in 1895 while Chile’s first-ever international game was a 3-1 loss to Argentina in 1910. The two countries formed a remarkable rivalry over the years and it was exactly against Argentina that Chile won their last major trophy – a 2015 Copa America title.
Prior to their 2015 title Chile had been runners-up in the competition on four different occasions. Chile triumphed in a dramatic final on penalty kicks to reach their first tournament championship. In a symbolic turn of events, Chile start their 2016 Copa America Centenario with a rematch against Argentina. The most capped player of the Chile national team is Barcelona goalkeeper who has past his 100-match mark with the squad he has been a part of since 2004.
Former Lazio and Juventus striker, the legendary Marcelo Salas is the leading scorer with 37 goals to his name. Key player to the current set up is Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez who has been the team’s leader on the pitch since 2006.