Peru face Paraguay in a decisive FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, with the match to be played at the Estadio Nacional in Lima.
The White and Red come into the game following a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Uruguay, putting them in a difficult position in the race for a World Cup spot. The Bicolour, meanwhile, are aiming to bounce back from a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a result that left them under pressure in the standings.
Both teams are in difficult positions in the table, which makes this encounter even more tense. The outcome could play a key role in shaping their qualifying hopes.
Read our Peru vs Paraguay predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other South America World Cup qualifiers predictions.
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Peru vs Paraguay prediction: Expect a tight encounter
Key statistics
- Their last two meetings have ended in a 0-0 scoreline.
- Both teams have drawn in two of their last three clashes.
- Their last three meetings have seen over 2.5 cards shown.
Correct score prediction: Peru 0-0 Paraguay
As the important World Cup qualifier between Peru and Paraguay approaches, the game is expected to be very close and we are predicting a 0-0 correct score.
This prediction is based on the White and Reds’ recent meetings with the Bicolour, which have both ended in draws. The match is likely to be low-scoring because both teams have struggled in attack in recent games.
With the home crowd behind them and the need to secure three points, Peru, under the guidance of coach Oscar Ibanez, would need to avoid a defeat.
Pre-match odds and win probability: No clear favourite
- Home: 5/4 – (2.25) – 44.44%
- Draw: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.26%
- Away: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.57%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The odds show that Peru are slight favourite with odds of 2.25, giving them about a 44% chance of winning. A draw is at 3.10, which means roughly a 32% chance, while Paraguay are given 3.50 odds, suggesting about a 29% chance of victory. This shows that the match is expected to be very tight, with Peru having a small edge but Paraguay still capable of causing problems.
Most recent head-to-head: Peru have three wins in five
When it comes to past meetings, Ibanez’s team have a clear advantage over Gustavo Alfaro’s side in recent years. The head-to-head record between the two sides shows that Peru have been the stronger team, winning three of the last five matches while the other two ended in draws. During this period, Paraguay have not managed a single victory.
The most recent encounters have been especially close. The teams played out a 0-0 draw in June, followed by another goalless draw in September 2023. Before that, Peru claimed a narrow 1-0 win in November 2022.
International Match 08/06/24
Peru
Paraguay
South America - World Cup Qualifying 07/09/23
Paraguay
Peru
International Match 17/11/22
Peru
Paraguay
South America - World Cup Qualifying 30/03/22
Peru
Paraguay
Copa America 02/07/21
Peru
Paraguay
After reviewing our key Peru vs Paraguay predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Peru preview: Two key players out of clash
Ibanez has been dealt a blow ahead of their final World Cup 2026 qualifiers, as two key players will not be available for selection. Forward Álex Valera and midfielder Edison Flores have both been ruled out after suffering muscle injuries.
The pair were originally included in the national squad, but medical tests later confirmed the problems, forcing them to withdraw. Their absence means Ibanez’s team will have to face tough opponents Uruguay and Paraguay without two experienced options in attack and midfield.
Predicted lineup: Gallese (GK), Advincula, Lopez, Abram, Garces, Gonzales, Yotun, Noriega, Quevedo, Ramos & Cabrera
Last five fixtures
- 05.09.25 – Uruguay 3 – 0 Peru
- 11.06.25 – Peru 0 – 0 Ecuador
- 06.06.25 – Colombia 0 – 0 Peru
- 26.03.25 – Venezuela 1 – 0 Peru
- 21.03.25 – Peru 3 – 1 Bolivia
Paraguay preview: Injury troubles for Alfaro’s team
Paraguay coach Alfaro is facing a serious injury crisis ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier and it could have a big impact on the team’s strength and depth.
Defender Fabian Balbuena is out with a broken ankle and will not return until early December. Meanwhile, Isidro Pitta, Ronaldo Dejesus, and Gustavo Velazquez are carrying shorter-term problems, but there are still doubts about whether they will be fit in time for early September.
On top of that, forward Julio Enciso has been sidelined with a meniscus injury and is expected to be out until mid-October. The biggest blow, however, is to midfielder Mathaas Villasanti, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Predicted lineup: Fernandez (GK), Gomez, Alonso, Caceres, Alderete, Cubas, Gomez, Sanabria, Almiron, Sosa & Martinez
Last five fixtures
- 05.09.25 – Paraguay 0 – 0 Ecuador
- 11.06.25 – Brazil 1 – 0 Paraguay
- 06.06.25 – Paraguay 2 – 0 Uruguay
- 26.03.25 – Colombia 2 – 2 Paraguay
- 21.03.25 – Paraguay 1 – 0 Chile
Player to watch: Andy Polo
One of the key players to keep an eye on is midfielder Andy Polo. He may not have a big record of goals and assists for the national team, but his recent performances at the club level have been very strong.
Polo is known for his speed, energy, and ability to create chances, which makes him a dangerous outlet in attack. With Peru missing several important attacking players, his role on the right side of midfield becomes even more important. His pace and direct style of play could be the difference in breaking down Paraguay’s defence and giving Peru the edge in this crucial qualifier.