Peru taps former captain Reynoso to succeed Gareca as coach

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Former captain Juan Reynoso was appointed as coach of Peru's national team on Tuesday, replacing Ricardo Gareca.

The 52-year-old Reynoso was hired “with the clear objective of (reaching) the 2026 World Cup,” Peru’s soccer federation said.

Gareca four years ago led the Peruvians to their first World Cup since 1982, but he failed to get the squad to this year's tournament in Qatar.

Reynoso, who was a defender for Peru for 15 years, will speak about his new role in a press conference scheduled for Wednesday. His latest job was at Mexico's Cruz Azul, which he led to a first league title since 1997 last year.

Argentinian coach Gareca decided in July not to extend his contract after seven years on the job since Peru missed out on this year's World Cup.

Peru finished the latest edition of South American World Cup qualifiers in fifth place with 24 points in 18 matches. In the final stage of qualifying, Peru was eliminated by Australia in June in a 5-4 penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular time.

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