Lima – Peruvian football is bracing for a notable change in competitive dynamics as league officials have increased the permitted number of foreign players on Liga 1 rosters to seven, ahead of the 2026 season. The decision, formalized this week, allows clubs greater adaptability in team construction and could considerably impact the league’s overall talent pool. New regulations also address mid-season substitutions and clarify the status of players pursuing Peruvian citizenship, impacting transfer strategies as teams finalize rosters by the March 15th deadline.
Peruvian football is set for a significant shift ahead of the 2026 Liga 1 season, as league officials have confirmed a change to foreign player regulations. Teams will now be permitted to register up to seven international players, a move expected to dramatically alter team compositions and potentially raise the overall level of competition.
Liga 1 2026 Allows Seven Foreign Players Per Team
According to the newly released regulations for the 2026 Liga 1 season, each club will be allowed to field a squad with a maximum of seven players from outside Peru. The rules also outline a provision for substitutions, allowing teams to replace up to two foreign players during the second transfer window.
“During the Liga 1 Te Apuesto 2026, clubs may register up to seven foreign players in the competition. The substitution of two foreign players will be permitted during the second registration period. To make this substitution, the club must submit to the FPF Office of Passes and Transfers the resolution of contract by mutual agreement, expiration, or justified cause with the substituted players,” the official document states.
Liga 1 2026 Regulations. Photo: FPF.
Foreign Player Status Remains Unchanged Even With Naturalization
The league has also clarified that a player’s foreign status will not change mid-season, even if they obtain Peruvian citizenship. Any international player listed for the Torneo Apertura will still be counted as a foreign player for the remainder of the season, regardless of subsequent naturalization.
Clubs have until March 15th to finalize their rosters, meaning any players seeking to gain Peruvian citizenship must complete the process before that date. This new rule is sure to impact roster construction and scouting efforts as teams prepare for the 2026 campaign.
