The Peruvian team already fully preparing to face the challenges ahead in the South American qualifiers going to the 2026 World Cup in mid-November, the ‘.red and white‘He will have to face two crucial engagements against top rivals Chile and Argentina. At this point, the Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati announced the list of those elected to these important meetings, and one of the most significant news is the absence of important figures, such as the attacker João Grimaldo.
While the core of experienced players is retained, there is also room for some youngsters who have been making headlines at local and international level. One of the absences that attracted the most attention is Grimaldoright winger for Partizan Belgrade of the Serbian Super League.
Unfortunately, as a winger, Grimaldo does not fit well in Fossati’s system (3-5-2) and this is what the same coach has pointed out before. “A player, if he has a national team, should not have problems playing 10 meters further outside or further inside, or even in several positions on the right or left,” he said in a press conference.
In addition, the 21-year-old footballer is not going through his best moment. with his club Partisan it has lost a lot of prominence. Even, He did not play the last three league games in Serbia due to a technical decision: Last Sunday he was a substitute in his team’s 2-1 win against FK TSC and there was no chance of being able to enter the field.
These were the main reasons why Fossati chose to retire the talent of Joao Grimaldo for the matches that will be played against Argentina and Chile in the next two days. 2026 qualifiers. Without a doubt, the former Chrisal Sporting will be a big loss because of what he intends as a player. But the coach always has the last word.
João Grimaldo Jorge Fossati’s call is not the only big one absent. The national coach didn’t call either Marcos Lopezwho recently overcame minor comfort and is fit again to play for FC Copenhagen in Denmark. To the ‘two-tone’however, it was not considered.
It must be taken into account that the left-back is currently suspended for hitting the VAR monitor in the previous duel against Brazil, so he would not be able to be present against the Chile. Later, against Argentina, it could be considered, so the decision of the Uruguayan coach caused a surprise, especially because Carlos Zambrano is going through a similar situation (he won’t be able to play ‘classic pacific’) and was included in the payroll.
Marcos López has found a place in Fossati’s lineup with Peru, but was not included for the duels against Argentina and Chile. – Credit: FPFFor her, Andre Carrillo He hoped to see his name again in the call-up of the Peruvian national team, after having an important continuity with the Corinthians in Brazil. The ‘snake’ He has had good performances recently with the ‘timao’ on the steering wheel and he hoped to represent his country again in the Qualifiers, but he did not convince Fossati.
In the same way, Pedro Aquino back on the field with Santos Laguna in Mexico after a long seven-month recovery and is working to return to the ‘two-tone’. However, the coach of the national squad preferred not to consider him yet. The last time the experienced pivot played a match with the national team was in November last year, in the match against Venezuela in Lima, so a year has already passed.
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, a renowned sports analyst and commentator, Dr. Lucia Vargas, who specializes in South American football. We’re here to discuss the recent roster decisions made by Peruvian national team coach Jorge Fossati as they gear up for their crucial encounters against Chile and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Thank you for being here, Dr. Vargas!
Dr. Lucia Vargas: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this topic—there’s a lot to discuss regarding the Peruvian team’s strategy and selections.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. One of the most talked-about absences from the call-up list is that of Joao Grimaldo, who has been making headlines in Serbia with Partizan Belgrade. Why do you think Fossati decided against including him?
Dr. Vargas: It’s a fascinating decision, isn’t it? Fossati based his choice on both tactical and performance-related factors. Grimaldo is a talented player, but his position as a winger doesn’t align well with Fossati’s preferred 3-5-2 formation. The coach mentioned that players need to be versatile enough to adapt to different roles, but Grimaldo hasn’t been playing well lately. In fact, he hasn’t featured in the last three league matches for his club, which certainly doesn’t help his chances.
Editor: Exactly. And while Fossati retained a core of experienced players, he also included younger talents. How do you view this balance in the squad selection?
Dr. Vargas: It’s a smart approach. Fossati is effectively blending experience with youth—this can infuse the team with energy and fresh ideas while still relying on seasoned players who understand the pressures of international play. The combination can be pivotal, especially against formidable opponents like Chile and Argentina. It’s all about finding the right chemistry and strategy to mitigate the impact of missing key players like Grimaldo.
Editor: Speaking of chemistry, you mentioned Marcos Lopez’s absence as well. With his recent recovery but suspension, what’s your take on how much that might affect the team against Chile?
Dr. Vargas: Lopez’s situation is quite interesting. While he’s fit to play now, his suspension means he won’t contribute against Chile, which is a blow because he’s a solid defender with international experience. The situation gets more complex if Fossati is contemplating including him against Argentina after the suspension. It raises questions about squad stability and how much they want to rely on someone who has just returned from injury. It could create a gap in terms of defensive coordination.
Editor: Indeed, the dynamics are always shifting. Do you think Fossati’s decisions might lead to any backlash from fans or analysts, given that Grimaldo and Lopez are both fan-favorite players?
Dr. Vargas: Absolutely. As we know, fans are emotionally invested in their favorite players, and when they see them left out, it can lead to frustration and criticism. However, Fossati must prioritize what he believes is best for team performance. It’s a delicate balance between fan favorites and actual tactical needs. Critics might question his decision-making, especially if results don’t go in the team’s favor. But ultimately, the success of the team should take precedence over individual acclaim.
Editor: Great point. It seems Fossati’s leadership will be under a microscope in the upcoming matches. as we look toward these significant matches against Argentina and Chile, what should we expect from Peru’s overall strategy?
Dr. Vargas: I expect a very tactical battle. Fossati will likely focus on solidifying the midfield to control the game’s tempo. With a 3-5-2 formation, he will want to utilize wing-backs who can push forward while remaining defensively sound. It will be crucial for whoever steps in to fill those absences to step up and execute the game plan effectively. The psychological aspect will also play a role; confidence and belief in their ability to compete with these opponents will be key.
Editor: Insightful as always, Dr. Vargas. It’s going to be an exciting time for Peruvian football as they head into these qualifiers. Thank you for your expertise and for shedding light on these crucial decisions by Jorge Fossati.
Dr. Vargas: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how the matches unfold. Let’s hope for some exciting football!
Editor: And with that, we conclude our discussion. Stay tuned to Time.news for more updates and analyses on upcoming football events!
