World Cup, Latin America Sports, Semifinal dates set. CONMEBOL confirmed Fluminense face Palmeiras on 14 and 21 October, with Estudiantes against Flamengo on 15 and 22 October.
Mexican table tightens. Toluca lead Liga MX Apertura with 19 points, just ahead of Chivas on 18 and América on 17 after the ninth round.
This story is part of our coverage of the Copa Sudamericana final 2026. Date, kick-off in ET, tickets and how to watch in the US are in our Copa Sudamericana final guide.
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Sudamericana final four set. Vasco da Gama meet Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro face Montevideo City Torque, with the first legs from 13 October.
Today’s headlines September 23, 2026
01
CONMEBOL confirms October dates for Libertadores final four
Football
South America’s biggest club prize now has a concrete path to the final in Montevideo. Fluminense welcome Palmeiras at the Maracanã on 14 October at 9.30 p.m. Brasília time.
The return is on 21 October at Nubank Parque in São Paulo, the Palmeiras ground formerly called Allianz Parque. Estudiantes de La Plata host Flamengo on 15 October, with the second leg at the Maracanã on 22 October.
CONMEBOL has set every semifinal leg for 9.30 p.m. local time. The final is a single match on 28 November at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.
In short — The Libertadores semifinals will be played between 14 and 22 October, with the final on 28 November in Montevideo.
Latin America Sports Daily for Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Sudamericana final four sends Boca to meet Vasco da Gama
Football
The continent’s second club competition also has its last four. Vasco da Gama meet Boca Juniors, while Atlético Mineiro face Montevideo City Torque of Uruguay.
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CONMEBOL has the first legs between 13 and 15 October and the second legs between 20 and 22 October. The final is on 21 November at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia.
In short — The Sudamericana semifinals run from 13 to 22 October, with the final on 21 November in Barranquilla.
03
Toluca stay top of Liga MX as Chivas and América keep pace
Analysis
Toluca hold first place in the Apertura with 19 points after the ninth round, which ended on 20 September. Chivas are second on 18 points and América third with 17.
Cruz Azul, the reigning Liga MX champions, sit fourth on 15 points. The tenth round runs from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September.
Atlante against Monterrey opens that round on 25 September. Toluca face Cruz Azul on 26 September at 5 p.m. Mexico City time.
In short — Toluca lead Liga MX Apertura by one point over Chivas and two over América after nine rounds.
04
South American Games and the Asian tennis swing fill Wednesday’s card
Preview
The XIII South American Games continue in Argentina, where Rosario, Santa Fe and Rafaela share the hosting until 26 September. The multi-sport event opened on 12 September.
In tennis, the ATP 250 tournaments in Chengdu and Hangzhou both begin on 23 September. The Laver Cup team event follows from 25 to 27 September at The O2 in London.
The UCI Road World Championships run in Montreal until 27 September. The 46th Chess Olympiad continues in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, until the same date.
In short — The South American Games in Argentina, hard-court tennis in China, road cycling and chess fill the midweek agenda.
05
Why the Libertadores semifinal schedule matters beyond the pitch
Feature
Fluminense and Palmeiras have been two of the most consistent Brazilian sides in recent continental campaigns. Palmeiras chase another crown, while Fluminense want to reward their historic fanbase.
Estudiantes against Flamengo pits Argentine grit against Brazilian firepower. CONMEBOL no longer applies the away-goals rule, so a tie level after two legs goes straight to penalties.
In short — The Libertadores semifinals pair two Brazilian heavyweights and an Argentine-Brazilian clash for a place in the final.
06
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
When are the Copa Libertadores semifinals?
Fluminense play Palmeiras on 14 October in Rio de Janeiro and 21 October in São Paulo. Estudiantes face Flamengo on 15 October in Argentina and 22 October in Rio de Janeiro.
Who leads Liga MX Apertura?
Toluca top the table with 19 points, one ahead of Chivas and two clear of América. Cruz Azul are fourth with 15 points after nine rounds.
Who is in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals?
Vasco da Gama meet Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro face Montevideo City Torque. The first legs start on 13 October and the final is on 21 November in Barranquilla.
In short — The FAQ covers Libertadores dates, Liga MX leaders and the Sudamericana semifinal line-up.
