2018 Peru Home – Paolo Guerrero #9 Large

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was historic for Peru, as it marked their first appearance at the tournament in 36 years (since Spain 1982).

• Qualifying Storyline: Peru finished 5th in CONMEBOL qualifying under coach Ricardo Gareca, earning a playoff against New Zealand. They won 2–0 on aggregate, sparking massive celebrations across the nation as they booked their ticket to Russia.

• World Cup Group Stage: Drawn in Group C alongside France, Denmark, and Australia.

  • Match 1: Lost 1–0 to Denmark, despite dominating possession and chances.

  • Match 2: Lost 1–0 to eventual champions France, with Mbappé scoring the only goal.

  • Match 3: Defeated Australia 2–0, with goals from André Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero.

• Result: Peru finished 3rd in the group, narrowly missing out on the knockout stages. Despite elimination, their passionate performances and fan support made them one of the most beloved teams of the tournament.

• Kit: The 2018 home jersey by Umbro was a beautiful design featuring Peru’s traditional white base with a bold red sash, trimmed with gold accents. It became instantly iconic, representing the country’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage.

2. Player’s Impact – Paolo Guerrero (2018 World Cup)

Paolo Guerrero, Peru’s captain and all-time leading scorer, was at the heart of the nation’s World Cup journey.

• Suspension Saga: Initially banned due to a disputed doping case, Guerrero was cleared to play after a late appeal, making his participation symbolic of Peru’s fight to reclaim glory.

• Appearances: Played in all three group-stage matches.

• Goals/Assists:

  • Assisted André Carrillo’s opener against Australia.

  • Scored Peru’s second goal in that match — his first and only World Cup goal, sealing a memorable victory.

• Leadership: Guerrero’s presence on the pitch inspired his teammates. His combination of strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing gave Peru their cutting edge.

• Legacy: Guerrero’s goal and leadership ensured his place in Peruvian football history. Already a national hero, the 2018 World Cup cemented his status as the face of Peru’s long-awaited return.

3. Full Squad List – Peru 2018 World Cup

Manager: Ricardo Gareca

Goalkeepers:

• Pedro Gallese (Veracruz)

• José Carvallo (UTC)

• Carlos Cáceda (Deportivo Municipal)

Defenders:

• Alberto Rodríguez (Junior)

• Aldo Corzo (Universitario)

• Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima)

• Christian Ramos (Veracruz)

• Luis Advíncula (Lobos BUAP)

• Anderson Santamaría (Puebla)

• Miguel Trauco (Flamengo)

• Nilson Loyola (Melgar)

Midfielders:

• Renato Tapia (Feyenoord)

• Yoshimar Yotún (Orlando City)

• Pedro Aquino (Lobos BUAP)

• Edison Flores (Aalborg)

• Christian Cueva (São Paulo)

• André Carrillo (Watford)

• Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz)

• Andy Polo (Portland Timbers)

Forwards:

• Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo, Captain)

• Jefferson Farfán (Lokomotiv Moscow)

• Raúl Ruidíaz (Morelia)