Latin America Sports Daily for Friday, September 25, 2026

Sudamericana semi-finals set up Boca-Vasco and Atlético-MG-Montevideo City Torque

Preview

The Copa Sudamericana semi-final schedule is also confirmed. Boca Juniors host Vasco da Gama on 13 October, with the return in Rio de Janeiro on 20 October.

Vasco reached this stage after a 2-0 home victory over Santa Fe. That result set up a meeting with Boca, one of Argentina’s most storied clubs.

Atlético-MG host Montevideo City Torque on 14 October. The Uruguayan side will then stage the return leg on 21 October.

The Sudamericana final will be played on 21 November. A Brazilian club is guaranteed in the final, with Vasco and Atlético-MG both in the last four.

Estudiantes confirm where they will host Flamengo for the semi-final

Football

CONMEBOL has confirmed the venue for the Estudiantes-Flamengo first leg. Estudiantes will host the match at their traditional home ground in La Plata.

The decision removes any uncertainty about a possible move to a larger stadium. Flamengo will travel to Argentina knowing exactly what atmosphere awaits.

Estudiantes reached this stage by eliminating Corinthians in the quarter-finals. Flamengo advanced past Independiente del Valle to keep their continental dream alive.

The return leg in Rio de Janeiro is scheduled for 22 October. Flamengo will hope to take a manageable result back to Brazil.

Fluminense and Palmeiras prepare for a heavyweight all-Brazilian semi-final

Feature

Fluminense host Palmeiras on 14 October in the other Libertadores semi-final. It is a tie between two clubs with serious title pedigree in recent years.

Palmeiras have been a dominant force in Brazilian football and will relish the knockout format. Fluminense will lean on home advantage in the first leg.

The winner of this tie faces either Estudiantes or Flamengo in the 28 November final. An all-Brazilian Libertadores final remains a real possibility.

Both clubs are also navigating domestic commitments. Managing squad fitness across the Brasileirão and the continental semi-final will be critical.

A congested October awaits all four semi-finalists

Analysis

The confirmed dates compress an already heavy calendar. Between the semi-final first legs on 13-15 October and the return legs a week later, all four Brazilian contenders face domestic league fixtures, and managers will have to rotate squads to arrive at both fronts with their strongest line-ups.

Travel adds another layer. Flamengo’s trip to La Plata and Boca’s visit to Rio de Janeiro bookend a fortnight in which the finalists for 28 November’s showpiece will effectively be decided across four matches in three countries.

The stakes extend beyond silverware. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, continental form in October shapes squad selection debates and the confidence of a footballing region that expects its clubs to compete for both trophies.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When do the Copa Libertadores semi-finals start?

The first legs are scheduled for 14 and 15 October 2026. Fluminense host Palmeiras on 14 October, and Estudiantes host Flamengo on 15 October.

The return legs are set for 21-22 October, with the final on 28 November.

Who are the Copa Sudamericana semi-finalists?

The last four are Boca Juniors, Vasco da Gama, Atlético-MG and Montevideo City Torque.

Boca host Vasco on 13 October, while Atlético-MG host Montevideo City Torque on 14 October.

How did Vasco reach the Sudamericana semi-finals?

Vasco defeated Santa Fe 2-0 in their quarter-final tie. That win secured a semi-final meeting with Boca Juniors.

Which clubs are still in the Copa Libertadores?

The last four are Fluminense, Palmeiras, Estudiantes and Flamengo. The semi-finals pit Fluminense against Palmeiras and Estudiantes against Flamengo.

When are the continental finals?

The Copa Sudamericana final will be played on 21 November. The Copa Libertadores final is set for 28 November.