Peru are set to play their 33rd Copa America after their first appearance in 1927 wishing for a 10th straight knockout qualification. La Rojiblanca still relies on their old heads to make a difference in the tournament even after changing their management. 11 of the players are aged 32 or above while six have less than 10 caps to their name. Jorge Fossati’s team wishes the competition experience of some of the players to help them escape their group containing Chile, Canada and holders Argentina.
History
The most successful campaigns for Peru came in 1939 and 1975 when they lifted the Copa America title. The first triumph came on home soil in the tournament played in a single round-robin format involving five teams. La Bicolor stood first by winning all four games, two points ahead of Uruguay. Teodoro Fernández starred with a tournament-high seven goals. Peru made it to their first final this century in 2019 when they were beaten by the hosts Brazil. The Selecao also beat them in the semifinals last edition, eventually finishing fourth after failing to win the third-place playoff against Colombia.
Preparation for Copa America 2024
Peru are keeping a steady form ahead of the tournament in the USA, having not lost a single game in the last five games. The team has collected three wins and a draw under Jorge Fossati’s tenure this year with just one goal conceded. Their goal-scoring has also improved with seven goals in that period having managed just three last year. However, Peru are yet to face a higher-ranked opponent under the new management.
Peru squad for Copa America 2024
Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Orlando City), Carlos Cáceda (Melgar), Diego Romero (Universitario)
Defenders: Luis Abram (Atlanta United FC), Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Carlos Zambrano (Alianza Lima), Anderson Santamaría (Atlas), Marcos López (Feyenoord), Miguel Araujo (Portland Timbers), Luis Advíncula (Boca Juniors), Oliver Sonne (Silkeborg), Alexander Callens (Girona), Nicolás Fernández (Audax Italiano)
Midfielders: Sergio Peña (Malmö FF), Christian Cueva (Free Agent), Jesús Castillo (Gil Vicente), Wilder Cartagena (Orlando City SC), Piero Quispe (UNAM)
Forwards: Andy Polo (Universitario), Paolo Guerrero (Universidad César Vallejo), Bryan Reyna (Belgrano), Gianluca Lapadula (Cagliari), André Carrillo (Al-Qadsiah), Edison Flores (Universitario), José Rivera (Universitario), Joao Grimaldo (Sporting Cristal), Franco Zanelatto (Alianza Lima)
Captain: Paolo Guerrero
Manager: Jorge Fossati
How will Peru Lineup at Copa America 2024?
Peru Fixtures for Copa America 2024
Saturday, 22 June 2024
Peru vs Chile - AT&T Stadium, Texas (05:30)
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
Peru vs Canada - Children's Mercy Park, Kansas (03:30)
Sunday, 30 June 2024
Argentina vs Peru - Hard Rock Stadium, Florida (05:30)
Prediction
Peru's task will be tough to get out of the group stage with holders Argentina and the last edition’s quarterfinalists Chile being part of the group. Even debutant Canada could be tricky to face. With La Albiceleste to face in the final group game, the chance might decrease for the Peruvians if they fail to take at least four points from the first two matches. Winning the opener against rivals Chile will be key in deciding their faith.
