Latin America Sports Daily for Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Fluminense and Palmeiras set for all-Brazilian Libertadores semi-final

Preview

Fluminense will host Palmeiras at the Maracanã in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final on Wednesday 14 October. The return is at Nubank Parque in São Paulo on 21 October. Fluminense sit fourth in Série A with 48 points.

Palmeiras are the closest challengers to Flamengo domestically on 57 points, and the São Paulo giants are hunting a fourth continental crown. The winners advance to the 28 November final at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.

Fluminense arrive in form after a 3-1 win at Corinthians on 20 September. Palmeiras drew 0-0 at Grêmio the same day, which let Flamengo stretch their league lead to three points.

Both legs kick off at 9:30pm Brasília time (8:30pm ET).

Estudiantes and Flamengo collide in the other continental semi-final

Preview

Argentine side Estudiantes de La Plata will host Flamengo at the Estadio UNO Jorge Luis Hirschi on Thursday 15 October. The decisive second leg is at the Maracanã on 22 October, again at 9:30pm Brasília time. Estudiantes are the last non-Brazilian side left.

Flamengo, the defending champions, sit top of Série A with 60 points after a 2-1 home win over Bragantino on 20 September. They sealed their semi-final place with a 1-1 draw against Independiente del Valle at the Maracanã on 17 September.

The clubs know each other well: they met in last year’s competition and again in this season’s group stage.

The tie offers a classic Brazil-Argentina continental clash. With Palmeiras and Fluminense on the other side, an all-Brazilian final remains a real possibility.

Flamengo lead Série A with Palmeiras in hot pursuit

Football

After 28 rounds of Brazil’s Série A, Flamengo hold 60 points, three clear of Palmeiras on 57. Athletico-PR sit third on 49, with Fluminense fourth on 48, Bahia fifth on 46 and Cruzeiro sixth on 45.

Flamengo’s 2-1 home win over Bragantino on 20 September, combined with Palmeiras’ 0-0 draw at Grêmio, opened the three-point gap. The league has paused for the FIFA break and resumes on 7 October, with ten rounds left.

The title race is a two-club battle, with third-placed Athletico-PR 11 points off the lead. Both clubs also carry continental semi-final commitments in October, making squad rotation a key storyline.

Fluminense and Bahia are locked in a fight for the final direct Copa Libertadores group-stage berths. The top four typically secure automatic entry, with fifth and sixth entering qualifying.

Vasco’s 5-0 rout of Coritiba lifts confidence before Sudamericana semi

Result

Vasco da Gama thrashed Coritiba 5-0 at São Januário on 19 September, their last Série A match before the break. The result is a lift ahead of their Copa Sudamericana semi-final against Boca Juniors.

Vasco visit La Bombonera on Tuesday 13 October and host the return in Brazil on 20 October, both at 9:30pm. The final is on 21 November at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Boca Juniors remain one of South America’s most decorated clubs, making the tie a stern test. Vasco also face Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil semi-finals on 1 and 8 November.

In the other Sudamericana semi, Atlético Mineiro host Montevideo City Torque at Arena MRV on 14 October, with the return at the Estadio Centenario on 21 October.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When is the Copa Libertadores final?

The 2026 Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for 28 November at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario in Uruguay. The semi-finals take place on 14-15 October and 21-22 October.

Which Brazilian clubs can still win the Libertadores?

Three Brazilian sides remain: Fluminense, Palmeiras and Flamengo. Fluminense face Palmeiras in one semi, while Flamengo take on Argentina’s Estudiantes in the other.

Who leads Brazil’s Série A going into October?

Flamengo top the table with 60 points after 28 rounds. Palmeiras sit second on 57 points, with Athletico-PR third on 49.