Latin America Sports Daily for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Rosario Central host Corinthians at 21:30

Preview

Rosario Central face Corinthians at the Gigante de Arroyito on Thursday at 21:30 Argentine time, in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie.

The knockout stage is where South America’s top club prize turns ruthless. For Central’s supporters, a home first leg is the platform every campaign wants.

Estudiantes held 1–1 by Universidad Católica

Result

Estudiantes led inside three minutes through Tobio Burgos against Universidad Católica of Chile on Tuesday, but Zampedri equalised on 79 minutes and the first leg finished 1–1 at the Estadio UNO.

A drawn home leg leaves the tie open. The second leg is in Chile.

Tolima–Independiente del Valle rescheduled to 18 August

Football

The Libertadores round-of-16 tie between Colombia’s Tolima and Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle was postponed after the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August.

CONMEBOL confirmed new dates on 11 August. The first leg is now Tuesday 18 August at 19:30 at the Manuel Murillo Toro in Ibagué, with the second leg on 25 August in Quito.

Fluminense held 0–0 by Independiente Rivadavia at the Maracanã

Result

Fluminense drew 0–0 with Independiente Rivadavia at the Maracanã on Tuesday in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.

The Rio club created little against a compact Argentine side. The tie is decided in Mendoza on 18 August.

Six CONMEBOL sides already hold World Cup places

Analysis

Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay had all sealed places at the 2026 World Cup by the end of South American qualifying. Bolivia reached the intercontinental playoff but lost it 2–1 to Iraq on 31 March 2026.

The final qualifying window was scheduled for September 2025. That means these places are settled facts, not live contests.

This context frames every club and league result across the region this week. The continent’s big nations now build towards the World Cup.

Tennis: Cincinnati Open main draw begins

Feature

Cincinnati Open qualifying finished on Wednesday, with Henrique Rocha beating Marcos Giron in straight sets. Main-draw play begins on Thursday.

The National Bank Open in Montreal was due to finish on 13 August. The Cincinnati event is the immediate follow-on for tennis followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What happened in Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores round-of-16 first leg?

Fluminense drew 0–0 with Independiente Rivadavia at the Maracanã on Tuesday 11 August in the first leg. The second leg is in Mendoza on 18 August.

Which teams have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup from South America?

Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay have qualified. Bolivia reached the intercontinental playoff but lost it 2–1 to Iraq on 31 March 2026.

Why was Tolima vs Independiente del Valle postponed?

It was postponed after the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August. CONMEBOL rescheduled the first leg to 18 August in Ibagué and the second leg to 25 August in Quito.