Coach: Ricardo Gareca

Although Chile, Ecuador, and Paraguay where three top contenders for South America’s fifth spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it was Peru who surprisingly took the spot. Peru only conceded seven goals in eight matches in 2017. This is the nation’s fourth time to qualify for the finals, and much of this is a result of the core team comprised of Pedro Gallese, Luis Advincula, Pedro Aquino, Andy Polo–all playing for Mexican clubs.