December 13, (THEWILL) – The manager of the Peru national football team, Juan Reynoso, has been relieved of his duties following a dismal start to the side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed. Sitting bottom of the South American qualifying group with just 2 points from their opening six matches, Reynoso departs after only taking charge in August 2022.
Reynoso becomes the fourth national team coach in the region to lose their job since qualifications began. With only the top six teams progressing automatically to the North American-hosted tournament, Peru face an uphill battle to make the finals. Reynoso’s dismissal comes as local media suggest former Argentina striker Hernán Crespo and ex-Colombia manager José Pékerman are among the candidates to take over.
The decision to sack Reynoso reflects the FPF’s urgency to revive Peru’s faltering World Cup hopes. Appointing an experienced successor will be crucial with just four qualifying spots likely still available. However, having lost four of their last five games by a single goal, Peru may take encouragement that they have been competitive, despite the results.
With South American heavyweights like Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay occupying three of the automatic places, Peru know they must quickly close the five-point gap on the fourth-placed side Ecuador. Their quest for World Cup redemption continues in March 2023 with two challenging away trips to Uruguay and Chile. The FPF will hope a new manager can spark an unlikely resurgence.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
