Colombia looks to bounce back in its final international friendly against Peru following a recent loss to Paraguay. Carrying a roster stacked with young talent making their national team debuts, Los Cafeteros aim to get back in the win column against a Peruvian side also seeking redemption after a defeat to Canada.
With Jhon Arias anchoring Colombia’s attack, head coach Nestor Lorenzo has an opportunity to test fresh talent as he retools the lineup. The match serves as a crucial trial period following the international retirements of playmakers James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero.
On the other side, veteran goalkeeper Pedro Gallese leads a Peru squad actively searching for its next generation of talent after legend Paolo Guerrero called it quits on his international career. Head coach Mano Menezes will use the tune-up to experiment with new lineups against a key CONMEBOL rival ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifying.
The matchup marks the final international break outing for both sides following the 2026 World Cup. From here, both federations shift their focus toward prep work for the 2028 Copa America in the United States.
Confirmed lineups: Colombia vs. Peru
Alongside Arias, defender Davinson Sanchez is starting and wearing the captain’s armband following Rodriguez’s departure. Here is how Colombia is expected to line up:
- Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier
- Defenders: Daniel Munoz (RB), Kevin Andrade (CB), Davinson Sanchez (CB), Samuel Velasquez (LB)
- Midfielders: Gustavo Puerta, John Solis
- Forwards: Jhon Arias (RW), Luis Javier Suarez (ST), Carlos Andres Gomez (LW), Yaser Asprilla
Meanwhile, Peru is featuring veteran Yoshimar Yotun in central midfield, with Oliver Sonne not starting at right back, as he was called back to England following the defeat against Canada. Here is the projected lineup for La Bicolor:
- Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
- Defenders: Marco Huaman, Erick Noriega, Renzo Garces, Marcos Lopez
- Midfielders: Oslimg Mora, Wilder Cartagena, Yoshimar Yotun, Piero Magallanes
- Forwards: Alex Valera, Jairo Velez
Key takeaways
- Colombia aims to bounce back in its final international friendly against Peru.
- The match follows the international retirements of playmakers James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero.
- Both federations will shift focus toward prep work for the 2028 Copa America.
