Vargas on Paolo Guerrero in the World Cup Qualifiers: "He is going to contribute a lot to the national team."

The Peruvian National Team started a new campaign in the Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, United States, and Mexico. Although there were many absences for the first double match (Gianluca Lapadula, Alexander Callens, Pedro Aquino, Anderson Santamaría, Christian Cueva, Carlos Zambrano, Bryan Reyna, Edison Flores), those who played against Paraguay and Brazil performed well. One of them was Paolo Guerrero, who at 39 years old continues to demonstrate his hierarchy and leadership on the field, qualities that are very much needed in the 'blanquirroja'.

This was announced by Juan Manuel Vargas in the latest interview he gave to PlayZonTV, where he highlighted the good present of the 'Depredador' in LDU de Quito. "Paolo [Guerrero] has always been a good professional, he has always had clear goals. And for him to continue to be left out and all that is because, as he has always been: a professional", declared the former Universitario player.

Paolo Guerrero started in the matches against Paraguay and Brazil, playing the full 90 minutes in each game. This demonstrated the confidence of the coach as well as the level that the captain maintains: "I think he brings a presence to the national team right now because he is very respected, he will contribute a lot to the team with the age he may have, the experience".

After the matches, the forward arrived with some discomfort, but was able to overcome it to play with his club. This was announced by Richard Cabezas, the team doctor, in an interview with Área Deportiva FM, who stated that he had "a back discomfort, as he came very tired after the qualifiers". Unfortunately, in the match against Barcelona SC, LDU lost by the minimum difference.

When are the next matches for the national team?

After losing 0-1 to Brazil, on matchday 2 of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, United States, and Mexico, the Peruvian National Team will have action again in October (note that Juan Reynoso will announce his list of called-up players on Friday, September 29). The first challenge will be to visit Chile on October 12 at 7:00 p.m. (Peruvian time). The match will be played at the David Arellano Monumental Stadium.

A few days later, on October 17, the Blanquirroja will host Argentina, the current world champion, at the National Stadium. It will be a difficult match, just like the one we experienced against the 'Canarinha', in which points must be added to stay close to the qualifying positions for the next World Cup.

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