Colombia and Peru are set to square off at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez on Matchday 15 of the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. With just three games remaining in the qualification phase, James Rodriguez and company are aiming for all three points to bring some much-needed breathing room in the standings.
Since their unbeaten run to the 2024 Copa América final, Colombia have hit a rough patch in World Cup qualifying. In their last six matches, the team led by Rodriguez has managed just one win, one draw, and four defeats. During the March international break, Colombia fell 2–1 to Brazil before settling for a 2–2 draw against Paraguay.
Meanwhile, Peru are clinging to hopes of keeping their World Cup dream alive. Oscar Ibañez is preparing for his third match in charge of the national team after debuting in March with a 3–1 home win over Bolivia, followed by a narrow 1–0 loss to Venezuela on the road.
Colombia currently enjoy a sizeable lead over Peru in the standings. After 14 matches, Rodriguez’s side sits in sixth place with 20 points, while Peru ranks ninth with 10 points. Still, the stakes are high for both teams in what could be a pivotal encounter.
If Colombia secures a win, they would leapfrog both Uruguay and Brazil to move into fourth place. However, if Peru pulls off an upset, not only would they close the gap on the qualification zone, but they would also give Venezuela — currently seventh and in the playoff spot — a chance to catch up to Colombia.
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Confirmed lineups for Colombia and Peru
Colombia’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Kevin Mier; Daniel Muñoz, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sanchez, Cristian Borja; Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Juan Hernandez; Jhon Duran.Head coach: Nestor Lorenzo.
Peru’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Pedro Gallese; Luis Advincula, Carlos Zambrano, Renzo Garces, Marcos Lopez; Pedro Aquino, Renato Tapia; Andy Polo, Edison Flores, Bryan Reyna; Paolo Guerrero.Head coach: Oscar Ibañez.
