Uruguay host Peru on Matchday 17 of the South American 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in a matchup with very different stakes. Uruguay are on the verge of securing their place at the World Cup, while Peru are fighting to keep their faint hopes alive.
Uruguay enter the final two qualifiers sitting fourth in the standings with 24 points, level with Paraguay. Marcelo Bielsa’s side needs only one point from its last two games to clinch qualification. Even with a loss, Uruguay could still qualify if Venezuela fail to beat Argentina on the road.
On the other side, Peru find themselves in a nearly impossible position. Oscar Ibañez’s squad sits ninth in the standings with 12 points and must win both of its remaining matches — against Uruguay and Paraguay — to even have a chance at the playoff spot.
But winning alone won’t be enough. Peru also need Venezuela to lose both games by a wide margin and finish with no additional points, while hoping Bolivia earn no more than one point from their final two fixtures. It’s a daunting scenario, though in soccer, anything can happen.
Uruguay’s lineup
Marcelo Bielsa will look to secure qualification in the clash against Peru, aiming to earn at least one point to achieve their goal. However, Uruguay will be without key players, as Ronald Araujo, Nahitan Nandez, and Darwin Nuñez are suspended, while Maximiliano Araujo is sidelined with an injury.
Taking this into account, Uruguay’s starting lineup against Peru will be: Sergio Rochet; Guillermo Varela, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez; Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur; Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Facundo Pellistri, Brian Rodriguez; Rodrigo Aguirre.
Peru’s lineup
Peru are also missing some of its most important players. Paolo Guerrero and Andre Carrillo are both out with injuries, while Edison Flores and Alex Valera are also unavailable.
Taking this into account, Peru’s starting lineup against Uruguay will be: Pedro Gallese; Luis Advincula, Renzo Garces, Luis Abram, Marcos Lopez; Erick Noriega, Yoshimar Yotun; Kevin Quevedo, Christofer Gonzales, Kenji Cabrera; Luis Ramos.