Peru vs. Uruguay: When they play and what's at stake
This Thursday, September 4, Peru clings to the hope of a mathematical victory, although reality indicates that only a miracle would allow for an epic qualification to the next World Cup. The starting point for that dream is a victory against Uruguay at Centenario Stadium, in the penultimate round of the CONMEBOL 2026 Qualifiers. A win would revive the fragile mathematical hope and force a review of the table before the final matchday. Otherwise, elimination will be practically confirmed and will open up discussions about the future of the sporting project in Peru.
According to the official schedule, the match between the Peruvian national team and the Celeste is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time and can be seen on Movistar Deportes (Channel 3), América Televisión (Channel 4), and ATV (Channel 9). The national broadcast will complement coverage with previews, analysis, and interviews with key players; the official networks plan specials on their sports programs. On social media and digital platforms, the match will generate widespread coverage and debate among fans and journalists. The match promises to feature debates on social media and analysis on local programs.
Peru's last squad
The Peruvian national team arrives at the Centenario as a diminished and lackluster opponent, a reflection of its weak position in the 2026 qualifying table. Even so, the team, led on an interim basis by Óscar Ibáñez, travels with the hope of achieving a resounding result despite the disappointment of many fans, who already consider the campaign over.
“I've been working with the group for four games. The intention was always to create the best possible atmosphere, to make them want to come and maintain a sense of belonging. I can't thank them enough; little by little, we're adding young players, some who were on the bench and others who will get playing time in upcoming games,” Ibáñez acknowledged.
For its part, Uruguay presents a contrasting picture: its presence in the World Cup is almost assured after recovering most of its players, although Darwin Núñez remains out and must serve another match of suspension for the incidents at the last Copa América. Even so, there is public concern about Marcelo Bielsa's management of the squad. "When you manage such a rich human capital, you have to understand why the performance is lower than expected. I believe that my management, focused on maximizing the value of the human resources I manage in proportion to their qualities, has not achieved that objective," Bielsa admitted.
In other countries, such as Bolivia, the United States (Miami), Paraguay, and Venezuela, the match will start an hour later, at 8:45 PM. Finally, in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay, the broadcast will begin at 8:30 PM.
The defender opened the scoring with a header at the National Stadium. (Video: Movistar Deportes)
Latest news
The Peruvian national team achieved a crucial victory against Uruguay in Lima on Matchday 9 of the 2026 South American Qualifiers. A header from Miguel Araujo, near the end of the 88th minute, sparked euphoria at the National Stadium and allowed the white-and-red team to climb out of the abyss.
The goal came from a precise cross from Piero Quispe, while the defense, featuring names like Carlos Zambrano and Luis Abram, displayed solidity and commitment. The architect of that victory was Jorge Fossati.
Key points:
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Peru arrives at the Centenary, forced to win to maintain its mathematical hopes.
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The match kicks off at 6:30 p.m. local time and will be broadcast on Movistar Deportes, América Televisión, and ATV.
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Uruguay's qualification is almost assured, despite the temporary absence of Darwin Núñez.
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The precedent in Lima (Peru's victory with a goal from Araujo) fuels expectations for both teams.
- What does Peru need to stay alive in the qualifiers?
- Peru needs a victory to renew its mathematical hope; without a win, elimination would be virtually a foregone conclusion, and debates about the sporting project would open.
