Peru's women's volleyball team will kick off the South American Championship in Rio de Janeiro on September 8, 2026. The national team is vying for one of three spots at the 2027 World Championship. The South American champion will also qualify directly for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Six teams will compete from September 8 to 13 at the Maracanãzinho. Peru will face Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Chile. A round-robin format will be played, with no additional final round.
Opening Match Against Argentina
Peru will begin the tournament on September 8 against Argentina. Just one day later, host nation Brazil awaits. On September 10, they will face Venezuela.
After a rest day on Friday, they will play Colombia on Saturday. Peru will play its last match on September 13 against Chile. The matches against Argentina and Colombia, in particular, are expected to be crucial in the battle for the three World Championship spots.
Three Spots for the 2027 World Championship
The top three teams from the South American Championship will qualify for the 2027 World Championship in the USA and Canada. Peru thus has a chance to return to the World Championship stage after a long absence.
Direct qualification for Los Angeles 2028 is even more challenging. This ticket is exclusively awarded to the winner of the South American Championship. Brazil, as host and one of the strongest volleyball nations in the world, enters the tournament as the favorite.
Peru Travels to Rio with 14 Players
Coach Antonio Rizola has nominated 14 players for the South American Championship. The squad includes Yadhira Anchante, Brenda Lobatón, Aixa Vigil, Lucía Magallanes, Sandra Ostos, Miriam Patiño, and Kiara Montes.
Also on the roster are Claudia Palza, Coraima Gómez, Daniela Muñoz, Saskya Silvano, Rachell Hidalgo, Alondra Alarcón, and Andrea Villegas. Rizola is thus relying on a mix of experienced national players and younger talents.
Diana de la Peña Out Due to Injury
Peru will have to do without Diana de la Peña. The middle blocker suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in her left foot and could not be included in the final squad.
Her absence particularly affects the team in the middle block. Coach Antonio Rizola will have to compensate for this position during the tournament with the remaining players.
Brazil Is the Favorite
Brazil enters the South American Championship as the clear favorite. Behind them, the battle for the remaining World Championship spots is likely to be much more open.
Argentina and Colombia are among Peru's most important rivals. Since all results directly contribute to the final standings, the opening match against Argentina could be of great importance for World Championship qualification.
Peru Looks Back on Great Volleyball Successes
Women's volleyball has a long tradition in Peru. For decades, the national team was one of the strongest teams in South America and also celebrated great international successes.
The highlight was the silver medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. Players like Cecilia Tait, Gabriela Pérez del Solar, Cenaida Uribe, and Natalia Málaga shaped this successful era.
Later, Peru lost its international connection. Brazil developed into the dominant team in South America, while Argentina and Colombia also grew stronger.
The Peruvian League as the Basis of the National Team
Volleyball remains popular in Peru. The domestic women's league regularly attracts a lot of attention and forms an important basis for the national team.
Clubs like Alianza Lima, Regatas Lima, Universidad San Martín, and Universitario provide players for national and international competitions. For younger talents, the league offers the opportunity to recommend themselves for selection.
At the South American Championship, it will now become clear how competitive the current generation is in direct comparison with the best teams on the continent.
Peru Wants to Return to the International Stage
The most important goal in Rio is a place among the top three. This would qualify Peru for the 2027 World Championship.
The path there primarily involves direct duels with Argentina and Colombia. Against Brazil, Peru is considered an underdog.
The first days of the tournament will therefore show whether Peru can compete in the battle for World Championship spots. For the team, successful qualification would be an important step back onto the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 South American Volleyball Championship
When will the South American Championship take place?
The Women's South American Championship will be held from September 8 to 13, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro.
Where will it be played?
The venue is the Maracanãzinho in Rio de Janeiro.
Which teams are participating?
Peru will face Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile.
When is Peru's first match?
Peru will start the tournament on September 8 against Argentina.
Can Peru qualify for the World Championship?
Yes. The top three teams will qualify for the 2027 Women's World Championship in the USA and Canada.
Can Peru qualify for the Olympics?
Yes. The South American champion will receive a direct spot for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Who coaches Peru?
The coach of the Peruvian women's national team is Antonio Rizola.
Sources
Agencia Peruana de Noticias Andina: "Selección peruana de vóley definió a sus convocadas para jugar el Campeonato Sudamericano", September 2, 2026.
Diario Oficial El Peruano: "Desafío en la net – disputará del 8 al 13 de setiembre el Sudamericano de Vóley Femenino", September 6, 2026.
Olympics.com: Information on the 2026 South American Volleyball Championship, qualification for the 2027 World Championship, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Federación Peruana de Vóley / Confederación Sudamericana de Voleibol: Squad and tournament information for the 2026 South American Championship.
Hero Image: Agencia Peruana de Noticias Andina / Federación Peruana de Vóley, photo of the Peruvian women's national team, published September 2, 2026.
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