Latin America Sports Daily for Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Corinthians and Estudiantes meet with the tie level at 1-1.

Preview

Corinthians host Estudiantes tonight at the Neo Química Arena with a Copa Libertadores semi-final place at stake.

The first leg in Argentina finished 1-1, leaving this second leg perfectly balanced and poised for drama.

Corinthians, seven-time Brazilian champions, are chasing a first Libertadores title since 2012.

Estudiantes, four-time continental champions, have the pedigree to silence the São Paulo crowd.

The winners will join Fluminense, who advanced on Tuesday, in the last four.

Palmeiras defend a 1-0 lead in the altitude of Quito.

Preview

Fluminense advance despite losing in Buenos Aires.

Result

Fluminense reached the Copa Libertadores semi-finals by eliminating Platense on Tuesday, losing the second leg 2-1 in Buenos Aires but advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

The Brazilian club had led 2-0 from the first leg and managed the second leg professionally.

Their progression continues a strong continental campaign and keeps Brazilian teams prominent in the tournament.

Fluminense will now watch tonight’s games to learn their semi-final opponent.

Atlético Mineiro face a 2-0 deficit against Santos in the Sudamericana.

Preview

Atlético Mineiro host Santos tonight in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-final second leg.

Santos won the first leg 2-0 and are well placed to progress to the semi-finals.

The match at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte sees Atlético needing a fast start to revive the tie.

Santos, relegated from Brazil’s top flight in recent years, are seeking a continental resurgence.

A single away goal for Santos would leave Atlético needing four, making their task formidable.

América de Cali stay unbeaten and lead Colombia’s Liga BetPlay.

Football

América de Cali sit top of Colombia’s Liga BetPlay 2026-II with 20 points from eight matches.

The Cali club have won six and drawn two, remaining unbeaten in the current campaign.

Their latest schedule included a home match against Deportivo Pasto on Monday evening.

The Colombian league is in its regular phase, with the top eight eventually contesting the play-offs.

Atlético Nacional and Atlético Bucaramanga also posted notable wins over the weekend.

Frequently asked questions.

FAQ

Who has already qualified for the Copa Libertadores semi-finals in 2026?

Fluminense are the only confirmed semi-finalist as of Wednesday morning, having eliminated Platense on Tuesday.

Tonight’s matches between LDU Quito-Palmeiras and Corinthians-Estudiantes will complete the last-four line-up, with Flamengo facing Independiente del Valle on Thursday.

What do Corinthians need to reach the Libertadores semi-finals?

Corinthians simply need to beat Estudiantes in tonight’s second leg at the Neo Química Arena.

Because the tie is level at 1-1 after the first leg, any victory would send the Brazilian side through; a scoreless draw or defeat would eliminate them.

Why is LDU Quito vs Palmeiras considered dangerous for the Brazilian club?

LDU Quito play at high altitude in the Ecuadorian capital, which often leaves visiting teams struggling in the second half.

Palmeiras also hold only a 1-0 lead from the first leg, so a single LDU goal could change the complexion of the tie entirely.