Marco Valencia Set to Become Head Coach of Peru’s National Team

Gustavo Peralta announced on X that the Peruvian Football Federation has selected Marco Valencia as the new head coach of the senior national team. Valencia, a former player for Alianza Lima and currently the coach of Melgar, is set to take on this role after his contract ends in November. He is seen as the ideal candidate following Peru’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Valencia’s official start is planned for after his contract with Melgar, although he might step in as interim manager for the upcoming friendlies in October and November. Peralta stated on PBO Campeonísimo, “Marco Valencia is very close to being named as Peru’s new coach. The idea was for him to start now, but he has a contract with Melgar until November. They will wait until it ends, but he is the chosen one.”

This appointment comes at a crucial time, with calls for significant changes and a new direction for the team. At 51, Valencia offers a mix of playing and coaching experience. His playing career included stints at Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal, Melgar, and Atlético Universidad. As a coach, he began his journey in 2006 with Cienciano and has held various roles at Melgar, including academy coordinator and interim manager, leading the first team multiple times, most recently in 2024.

By choosing him, the federation emphasizes its commitment to rebuilding the national team with a coach who understands Peruvian football and can lead the squad into the next World Cup cycle.