Latin America Sports Daily for Monday, August 24, 2026

América set the early pace in Liga MX Apertura

Football

Club América are the team to catch in Mexico’s Liga MX Apertura 2026. After five rounds they have 13 points, with four wins and one draw.

Their goal difference of plus-8 — 10 scored, two conceded — shows a side controlling matches at both ends.

The weekend round ended with América clear at the top of the table. No other club has matched their points haul so far.

For foreign fans, América are Mexico’s most storied club, and this start suggests they mean to add another league title.

The Apertura is the first of Mexico’s two short championships each season, so every early point matters.

Fluminense survive penalties to advance in Libertadores

Result

Fluminense are through to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals after a tense night in Argentina. Their second leg at Independiente Rivadavia ended 1-1 on 18 August.

The tie went to a shootout, where Fluminense won 5-4 to eliminate the home side. It was the sort of high-pressure test that defines this competition.

Fluminense are one of Brazil’s traditional powers and now carry Brazilian hopes alongside the other clubs still alive in the draw.

Elsewhere, Estudiantes beat Universidad Católica 3-0 away to send a clear message. The Argentine side were ruthless in Chile and will fear nobody in the next round.

The round of 16 has already delivered drama, and the remaining second legs this week will settle more quarter-final spots.

Libertadores second legs still to be decided this week

Preview

Several round-of-16 ties remain open as the second legs conclude across South America. Cerro Porteño host Palmeiras on Wednesday, with the Brazilian side aiming to finish the job.

Flamengo and Cruzeiro meet in an all-Brazil tie on Wednesday night at 21:30 local time in Argentina and Uruguay. That gives Brazilian fans a third guaranteed quarter-finalist.

On Thursday, Corinthians face Rosario Central and LDU Quito take on Mirassol. The Ecuadorian altitude in Quito is always a factor for visiting teams.

One tie was rescheduled for Tuesday 25 August, when Independiente del Valle host Deportes Tolima. The first leg in Colombia ended 1-0 to Independiente del Valle.

For readers new to the region, the Libertadores is South America’s Champions League, and winning it is the greatest club prize in the continent.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Which team leads Liga MX Apertura 2026 after the latest round?

Club América lead the table with 13 points from five games. Their record is four wins, one draw and no losses, with 10 goals scored and two conceded.

What is the next confirmed Copa Sudamericana fixture?

River Plate host Santa Fe in a rescheduled round-of-16 second leg on Thursday 27 August. The winner will advance in the Sudamericana and stay on course for a Libertadores spot.

Which clubs have already reached the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals?

Fluminense advanced after beating Independiente Rivadavia 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Estudiantes also went through with a 3-0 win at Universidad Católica.