Mano Menezes to Expand Peru Squad and Push for Puno as World Cup Qualifier Venue
As the international football calendar prepares for the upcoming September and October FIFA windows, Peru national team head coach Mano Menezes has confirmed plans to expand his squad roster to safeguard against fatigue and physical wear. Speaking to L1 MAX, Menezes outlined a strategy to evaluate a broader player pool ahead of high-level friendlies against 2026 World Cup participants, alongside evaluating high-altitude infrastructure requirements to host future qualifiers in Puno for the 2030 cycle.
Squad Expansion Strategy for September and October Friendlies
Facing a demanding slate of international fixtures in North America, the technical staff intends to increase the number of called-up players. According to interviews given to L1 MAX, Menezes emphasized that this tactical roster adjustment aims to avoid the risk of losing players and maintaining tactical consistency across intense matches. The fixture list features high-caliber opponents who played in the recent global tournament.
The tour continues into October with a fixture against Canada on Saturday, October 3, in Montreal, concluding against Colombia on Tuesday, October 6, in Miami. These matches serve as vital stress tests for squad depth, periodization management, and tactical evaluation under heavy travel loads.
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Infrastructure Demands and Puno Venue Plans for 2030 Qualifiers
Beyond the immediate North American friendlies, long-term planning for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers includes utilizing regional venues such as Puno and Cusco to leverage geographical advantages. However, transitioning competitive matches to the high-altitude region of the Altiplano presents distinct logistical and infrastructural hurdles. Menezes noted that public enthusiasm is high, with the federation eyeing four primary venues, including Puno.
The realization of matches in Puno remains contingent upon constructing proper training facilities. Menezes explicitly stated that the city lacks an adequate local training base, pointing out the necessity of building a dedicated training camp similar to a Videna. Alongside Jean Ferrari, the technical staff inspected potential sites, including the Monumental Stadium of the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano. FPF president Agustín Lozano is scheduled to address these logistical requirements formally to accelerate preparatory work.
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Unscheduled December Match and Fan Engagement
In a departure from traditional calendar usage, Menezes announced that he will personally direct a special home friendly in December. While the 2025 period was utilized by the Agremiación de Futbolistas, the technical staff has claimed the window to strengthen the connection with local fans and test domestic player integration. The venue for this December encounter remains undecided between Cusco and Puno, with a final announcement expected in the coming weeks as logistics are finalized.
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