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Story & Photos by Shawn Payne
September 29, 2026 | Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
International Friendly
HARRISON, N.J. — Mexico and Peru faced off Tuesday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium in an international friendly that brought together two passionate fan bases for an evening of international soccer. With supporters of both nations filling the stands, the match provided another opportunity for the teams to evaluate their squads following their weekend fixtures in the United States.
Mexico entered the contest following a 1-1 draw against Colombia in Baltimore on Saturday, while Peru was looking to rebound from a 4-1 defeat to the United States in Orlando. Both teams were seeking a positive result as they continued preparations for their next international competitions.
Under head coach Rafael Márquez, Mexico fielded a significantly different starting lineup from its previous match, giving several players an opportunity to establish themselves. Peru, led by Mano Menezes, approached the contest looking to regain momentum against another CONCACAF opponent.
Peru Strikes First
Peru established an early attacking presence, challenging Mexico’s defensive organization and creating opportunities through quick transitions.
In the 26th minute, Jairo Vélez capitalized on a defensive breakdown, collecting the ball inside the penalty area and directing his shot into the far corner to give Peru a 1-0 advantage.
Mexico attempted to respond before halftime, with Orbelín Pineda and Isaías Violante involved in attacking opportunities. However, Peru’s defense held firm, and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese helped preserve the lead heading into the break.
Mexico Responds After Halftime
Mexico emerged from the halftime interval with renewed urgency, and its response came just four minutes into the second half.
In the 49th minute, Denzell García delivered a ball into the penalty area from a set piece, where defender Víctor Guzmán rose above the Peruvian defense and powered a header into the net.
The goal marked Guzmán’s first for Mexico’s senior national team and brought the match level at 1-1.
Both teams made substitutions as the second half progressed, with Mexico introducing Santiago Giménez and Luis Romo in the 61st minute in an effort to generate additional attacking opportunities.
Peru continued to threaten on the counterattack, while Mexico sought to establish possession and create openings in the final third.
Despite opportunities at both ends, neither side could find the decisive goal.
A Draw in New Jersey
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, Mexico’s second consecutive result by that scoreline following its weekend meeting with Colombia.
For Peru, the result represented a recovery from its defeat against the United States, while Mexico continued evaluating its squad under Márquez.
The evening concluded with both nations sharing the result at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where their supporters had gathered for another chapter of international soccer on American soil.
Final Score: Mexico 1–1 Peru
Goals:
Peru — Jairo Vélez (26’)
Mexico — Víctor Guzmán (49’)
Game Highlights
