Spain’s coach provides squad fitness update after cruising past Peru in World Cup preps
By Joel Masibo, June 9, 2026Spain wrapped up its preparations for the FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Peru in an international friendly played in Puebla, Mexico, on Monday night, June 8, 2026.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente named a strong starting lineup, with Unai Simón guarding the goal. The backline featured Marc Cucurella, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí, while Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz operated in midfield. Álex Baena and Ferran Torres occupied the flanks as Mikel Oyarzabal spearheaded the attack.
Action in Puebla
The Spanish side wasted little time in asserting control, taking the lead less than two minutes after kickoff. Oyarzabal unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from outside the penalty area that beat Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
La Roja extended their advantage in the 32nd minute. Torres created space down the right wing before delivering an accurate cutback that allowed Pedri to calmly finish into an unguarded net.
At the interval, De la Fuente introduced David Raya, Yeremy Pino, Dani Olmo and Eric García as part of efforts to manage player fitness and distribute playing time across the squad.
Spain grabbed a third goal eight minutes into the second half when Gallese attempted to push away a dangerous cross from Pino, only for the ball to deflect off him and end up in the back of the net for an own goal.
Peru managed to pull one back in the 66th minute through Jairo Vélez, whose powerful strike reduced the deficit and prevented a shutout.
De la Fuente squad update
Following the match, De la Fuente expressed satisfaction with both the result and the physical condition of his squad, noting that no players suffered injuries during the encounter. He also maintained that sidelined trio Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal and Víctor Muñoz are expected to be available for selection next week.
“We are pleased with everything that we have done. The players are in good shape, we haven’t had any injuries,” commented the coach.
“We will look at other situations in the coming days, but we are very happy with our feeling after this game,” he added.
Spain will now head back to its training camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the final phase of World Cup preparations.