Jorge Fossati announced last Sunday his list of 26 players selected for the double-header of the 2026 South American Qualifiers scheduled for October. The players chosen are from both national and international clubs, although some notable absences have left fans surprised, particularly the exclusion of the top Peruvian scorer from the Clausura Tournament. Find all the details below.
Cusco FC forward, Luis Ramos, is the leading goal scorer in the Clausura, having scored a total of six goals in the tournament. Based on his performance, it was anticipated that he would be included by the national coach. Additionally, the striker expressed his readiness for the call-up and his excitement to represent the ‘bicolor’.
This decision is surprising because Ramos has scored more goals and played more minutes than some forwards selected by Fossati. What could be the reason for his exclusion?
Luis Ramos at Cusco FC.
In terms of scoring, the Cusco attacker netted six goals, surpassing Alex Valera, who scored five goals. Furthermore, Luis Ramos has been a starter for his team, while José ‘el Tunche’ Rivera has been a substitute for Universitario and has played only a few minutes. Both players from ‘U’ were called up by Fossati, while the top scorer remains absent.
Álex Valera in Universitario.
Luis Ramos and his market value
Luis Ramos, a forward for Cusco FC, is 24 years old and has a market value of 700,000 euros, according to the well-known sports website Transfermarkt.
Luis Ramos: teams he has played for
- Carlos A. Mannucci
- Deportivo Llacuabamba
- Municipal Sports
- The Chankas
- Cusco FC
List of players called up to the Peruvian national team
- Pedro Gallese
- Carlos Caceda
- Diego Romero
- Alexander Callens
- Aldo Corzo
- Luis Abram
- Carlos Zambrano
- Miguel Araujo
- Renzo Garcés
- Jesus Castillo
- Oliver Sun
- Marcos Lopez
- Wilder Cartagena
- Luis Advíncula
- Renato Tapia
- Sergio Pena
- Jean Pierre Archimbaud
- Piero Quispe
- Andy Polo
- Schedule Calcaterra
- Gianluca Lapadula
- Edison Flores
- Bryan Reyna
- João Grimaldo
- Alex Valera
- José Rivera
Match schedules against Uruguay and Brazil
Below are the matches that the Peruvian team will play in the double-header in October for the Conmebol Qualifiers:
- Peru vs Uruguay – Friday, October 11 (8:30 p.m.)
- Brazil vs Peru – Tuesday, October 15 (7:45 p.m.)
Peru’s position in the 2026 Qualifiers
The ‘bicolor’ is currently in last place in the standings for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with just three points. The ‘team for everyone’ is the only squad that has yet to secure a win in the competition after eight rounds, having recorded three draws and five losses, with two goals scored and ten conceded.
Peru’s Roster for South American Qualifiers 2026: A Surprising Exclusion
Jorge Fossati’s Call-Up Announcement
Jorge Fossati announced last Sunday his list of 26 players called up for the double date of South American Qualifiers 2026 scheduled for October. The chosen footballers include a blend of national and international talent. However, some absences have sparked astonishment among fans, notably that of Luis Ramos, the top scorer in the Peruvian Clausura Tournament. Below, we dive into the details of this surprising decision.
Luis Ramos: Top Scorer Omitted
The Cusco FC forward, Luis Ramos, stands out as the Peruvian player with the most goals in the Clausura, scoring a total of 6 goals. His impressive performance led many to believe he would be included in the national coach’s selection. Ramos indicated his readiness and excitement to don the ‘bicolor’, but was notably left out of the roster.
Fans React to Ramos’ Exclusion
This controversial choice raises questions, especially since Ramos has more goals and minutes played than several forwards selected by Fossati. The omission of such a top performer is perplexing for both fans and analysts.
Comparative Performance: Ramos vs. Selected Forwards
In terms of goal-scoring, Luis Ramos surpassed other forwards like Alex Valera, who has netted 5 goals. Additionally, while Ramos has consistently been a starter for Cusco FC, the situation is different for José ‘el Tunche’ Rivera, who has primarily played as a substitute for Universitario.
Despite this disparity in performance, both players from Universitario were called up by Fossati, leaving Ramos out in the cold.
Luis Ramos’ Market Value and Background
Luis Ramos is a 24-year-old forward for Cusco FC with a market value of approximately 700 thousand euros, as reported by the prominent sports website Transfermarkt. His career includes stints with several clubs:
- Carlos A. Mannucci
- Deportivo Llacuabamba
- Municipal Sports
- The Chankas
- Cusco FC
Peruvian National Team Roster Overview
List of Selected Players
Here is the list of players who have been summoned to represent the Peruvian national team in the impending matches:
- Pedro Gallese
- Carlos Caceda
- Diego Romero
- Alexander Callens
- Aldo Corzo
- Luis Abram
- Carlos Zambrano
- Miguel Araujo
- Renzo Garcés
- Jesus Castillo
- Oliver Sun
- Marcos Lopez
- Wilder Cartagena
- Luis Advíncula
- Renato Tapia
- Sergio Pena
- Jean Pierre Archimbaud
- Piero Quispe
- Andy Polo
- Schedule Calcaterra
- Gianluca Lapadula
- Edison Flores
- Bryan Reyna
- João Grimaldo
- Alex Valera
- Jose Rivera
Upcoming Matches in the South American Qualifiers
Peru’s national team will compete in two crucial matches during the October double date of the Conmebol Qualifiers:
- Peru vs Uruguay – Friday, October 11 (8:30 p.m.)
- Brazil vs Peru – Tuesday, October 15 (7:45 p.m.)
Current Standings of the Peruvian National Team
As of now, the ‘bicolor’ finds itself at the bottom of the standings for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, having amassed only 3 points. With eight rounds completed, Peru is yet to secure a victory in the current campaign, recording three draws and five losses, and has a goal difference of -8 (2 goals for and 10 against).
Implications for the Future
The selections made by Fossati reveal a strategic approach that may influence Peru’s performance in the upcoming matches. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the chosen squad will fare against formidable opponents like Uruguay and Brazil. The inclusion of less-performing players over a top scorer like Ramos will be under scrutiny as the national team seeks to improve its standing in the qualifiers.
