Chile vs Peru

Estadio Monumental David Arellano forms the backdrop for a high-stakes 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter between Chile and Peru.

After missing out on the last two World Cup editions, Chile’s bid to return to prominence has been off to a woeful start, with Eduardo Berizzo’s strugglers going winless in their opening two qualifying matches for the 2026 showpiece (D1, L1). While fans would forgive them for sharing the spoils with Colombia in a tepid 0-0 draw last time out, a 3-1 defeat at Uruguay on the opening matchday was unacceptable. Despite the hosts’ overwhelming desire to overcome a dreadful run of form, their disastrous four-game H2H record against Peru cannot inspire much confidence (W1, L3). On a more positive note, the Chileans have excelled on home soil in 2023, going unbeaten in all four internationals they’ve hosted this calendar year (W3, D1) while registering clean sheets across the last three.

As for Peru, defensive resilience to fend off Paraguay in a hard-earned 0-0 away draw on the opening weekend saw the Peruvians register a clean sheet despite falling a man behind in the first half. However, their defensive-minded approach backfired in round two as Brazil scored a stoppage-time winner to upset ‘La Blanquirroja’ 1-0. As one of only two sides yet to find the net in the CONMEBOL qualifying group, Peru would be forgiven for doubting their chances of returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2018. Picking up three points here could prove a turning point for Juan Renyoso’s men, who have only won once in their last six internationals (D2, L3). A failed attempt to do so would see Peru go winless in 4+ straight games for the first time since June 2021.