Overview
- Kickoff is Wednesday at 12:00 (Peru time) at Gazprom Arena, with coverage on Movistar Deportes and free-to-air on América TV and ATV, plus streaming via Movistar Play and América TVGO.
- Peru completed a single practice at Zenit’s complex after travel delays and finalized a 26-player group, with defender Erick Noriega the last to link up.
- The Peruvian federation sought a postponement over fatigue concerns, but Russia declined due to ticket sales and fixed logistics.
- Nuremberg center back Fabio Gruber joined after an FPF reservation letter and trained with the squad, as interim coach Manuel Barreto evaluates a 4-3-3 featuring a blend of regulars and newcomers.
- Russia, still barred from FIFA/UEFA competitions, enters on a strong friendly run including a 3–0 win over Bolivia, and coach Valeri Karpin praised Peru and Chile while noting covered or temperate venues neutralize any weather advantage.