VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Saturday that Yordy Reyna has been called up to the Peruvian national team for their home-and-away inter-confederation playoff series against New Zealand. The winner of the two-legged series will clinch a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The last time Peru qualified for the FIFA World Cup was 1982.
Reyna has two goals in 17 senior international appearances for Peru. The 24-year-old came returns to play for his country after being called up in October for the last two CONMEBOL qualifying matches. In the decisive final match against Colombia Reyna came on as a second half substitute, as a 1-1 draw saw Peru finish in fifth place and advance to the inter-confederation playoff.
Opposing Reyna and Peru will be Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Stefan Marinović , the starting goalkeeper for the New Zealand national team.
The 5-foot-7 attacking midfielder impressed in his first season with Whitecaps FC, recording six goals and four assists in 18 regular season appearances, then going on to start two of three playoff appearances.
