Spain beats Peru 3-1 in World Cup warm-up in Puebla

Spain used its final World Cup warm-up to sharpen its case as a title contender, beating Peru 3-1 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla and leaving Luis de la Fuente with proof that the attack is ready and the margins at the back still demand attention. The result came on June 8, 2026, with referee Fernando Hernández overseeing a match that felt less like a routine friendly than a test of nerve on neutral soil.

Mikel Oyarzabal settled the crowd after only two minutes with a fierce strike from the edge of the area, setting the tone for a Spain side that looked organized, quick and alert from the start. Pedri doubled the lead after about half an hour by converting into an empty net after a cross from Ferran Torres, and Spain made it 3-0 early in the second half when Yeremy Pino’s delivery forced an error from Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Peru responded through Jairo Velez, who finished low to trim the deficit, but Spain never surrendered control.

The evening in Puebla underscored why this was more than a scoreline. Thousands of fans packed the stands with Spain shirts and Barcelona jerseys, a visible reminder of how heavily de la Fuente’s squad is shaped by players with Barcelona ties. Peru’s supporters were outnumbered but loud throughout, and the atmosphere mixed festival energy with tournament anticipation as chants and Mexican waves rolled through the stadium. Merchandise stalls lined the streets outside, and heavy security did little to dull the sense that the World Cup had already arrived in public imagination.

Spain reached Puebla from its training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, carrying the pressure of being one of the tournament favorites and the defending European champion. The traveling squad did so without Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, who were left out because of injury, though de la Fuente has indicated the trio remain on track for the team’s opener. That match comes against Cabo Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, a Group H fixture at Atlanta Stadium listed by FIFA for a 16:00 kickoff.

Spain’s group also includes Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and the 2026 tournament will be spread across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with 48 teams playing 104 matches. In Puebla, Spain’s performance suggested a side with enough depth and tempo to handle the moment, but also one that will need defensive discipline once the stakes rise beyond a warm-up.