The Road to Continental Glory Continues
CONMEBOL has officially announced the dates and times for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana 2026, South America's second-tier club competition (similar to the UEFA Europa League). Three Argentine teams—Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Tigre—will battle for a spot in the final, scheduled for November 21, 2026 at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Boca Juniors vs. Recoleta (Paraguay)
The Xeneize, coached by Rodolfo Arruabarrena, advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout against O'Higgins (Chile). Their opponent, Paraguayan side Recoleta, posted a confident message on social media: A new challenge is coming, and we are ready.
- First leg: August 11, 2026, 19:00 local time (22:00 UTC) at La Bombonera, Buenos Aires.
- Second leg: August 18, 2026, 19:00 local time (22:00 UTC) in Asunción, Paraguay.
River Plate vs. Independiente Santa Fe (Colombia)
El Millonario, led by Eduardo Coudet, topped their group stage to reach this stage. They face Colombian powerhouse Santa Fe, which convincingly eliminated Caracas (Venezuela).
- First leg: August 12, 2026, 21:30 local time (02:30 UTC next day) in Bogotá, Colombia.
- Second leg: August 19, 2026, 21:30 local time (00:30 UTC next day) at the Monumental, Buenos Aires.
Tigre vs. Montevideo City Torque (Uruguay)
El Matador, who eliminated Uruguayan giants Nacional with a stellar performance, will face fellow Uruguayan side Montevideo City Torque in what promises to be a tight and exciting tie.
- First leg: August 12, 2026, 19:00 local time (22:00 UTC) in Victoria, Buenos Aires province.
- Second leg: August 19, 2026, 21:30 local time (00:30 UTC next day) in Montevideo, Uruguay.
The Dream of a Superclásico
If Boca and River both win their round of 16 ties and then triumph in the quarterfinals, they could meet in a historic Superclásico in the semifinals. The winner of Boca's bracket would face the victor of Bolívar (Bolivia) vs. São Paulo (Brazil). The excitement is building!
Other Notable Results from the Playoffs
- Cienciano (Peru) eliminated Lanús (Argentina) with a 3-1 aggregate.
- Bolívar (Bolivia) knocked out Grêmio (Brazil) after a 2-2 draw and penalties.
- Boca Juniors advanced past O'Higgins (Chile) on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 aggregate.
Sources: AFA | TN | TyC Sports