Cusco FC vs Flamengo: Prediction, Team News & Lineups Preview

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 8, 2026 8:23 PM ET

Flamengo begin their 2026 Copa Libertadores campaign with a tough trip. They face Cusco at over 3,400 metres in altitude.

Match context

The game will be played at Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Cusco know these conditions well.

Flamengo arrive as defending champions and a tournament favourite. The club has four Libertadores titles.

Flamengo sit fourth in the Brasileirao with 17 points. They beat Santos 3-1 in their last league match.

The team has won seven of their last ten matches. They kept six clean sheets in that run.

Flamengo have 22 Libertadores appearances and five finals contested. Their continental pedigree is clear.

Flamengo face multiple absences due to injury. Midfielder Jorginho is out with a left calf problem.

Erick Pulgar has a dislocated right shoulder. Everton Cebolinha suffers a rib fracture.

Alex Sandro is recovering from a right thigh muscle injury. Saul remains in transitional recovery.

Staff are monitoring Nicolas De la Cruz for high-altitude discomfort. He could be rested.

Pedro is Flamengo’s main attacking threat. He has seven goals in 13 matches in 2026.

Lucas Paquetá is a recent signing. He is expected to play a key midfield role.

To reduce altitude effects, Flamengo will stay at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. Rooms use oxygen-pressurisation tech.

Cusco arrive on the back of two straight wins. One of those victories came away in Arequipa.

The club was founded 17 years ago and formerly played as Real Garcilaso. They reached the Libertadores quarter-finals on debut.

Cusco finished runners-up in the 2025 Liga Peruana. Their home record at altitude was crucial.

Manager Miguel Rondelli resigned days before the fixture to join Melgar. He had a contract until 2028.

Uruguayan Alejandro Orfila, 49, is the new head coach. He has managed Belgrano and Gimnasia, among others.

Orfila’s debut brought a 3-1 win. Gabriel Carabajal and Facundo Callejo scored within the first four minutes.

Callejo has five goals this season. Ivan Colman is the team’s chief playmaker.

Both sides will likely name competitive XIs despite changes. Below are the projected starting lineups.

Cusco FC possible XI

Palacios; Alcántar, Lazo, Cuba; Colman, Baca; Carabajal, Manzaneda, Ortiz, Rodriguez; Callejo

Flamengo possible XI

Rossi; Varela, Ortiz, Pereira, Lucas; Araújo, Paquetá; Carrascal, Arrascaeta, Lino; Pedro

This preview offers a prediction, team news and a lineups preview for the tie. Altitude will shape the match.

Flamengo may start stronger thanks to individual quality. Fatigue will increase as the game goes on.

Without Jorginho and Pulgar, midfield intensity could suffer. Cusco can grow into the match and exploit spaces.

Expect a tight encounter under a hostile atmosphere. A 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome.

Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and update team news before kick-off.