Latin America Sports Daily for Wednesday, September 30, 2026

CONMEBOL confirms Libertadores semi-final dates and kickoff times

Preview

CONMEBOL fixed the Copa Libertadores semi-final schedule on 21 September. All four matches kick off at 21:30 Brasília time, which is also 21:30 in Argentina.

Fluminense host Palmeiras at the Maracanã on Wednesday October 14. The return is at São Paulo’s Nubank Parque on Wednesday October 21.

Estudiantes host Flamengo at Estadio UNO in La Plata on Thursday October 15, with the return leg at the Maracanã on Thursday October 22.

The winners advance to the final on November 28 at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario. The one-legged final makes these fixtures even more valuable.

For Fluminense, it is a chance to reach another continental final. Palmeiras, however, are a familiar knockout opponent and will back themselves over two legs.

Flamengo carry Série A momentum into continental semi-final

Football

Flamengo arrive at the Libertadores semi-final as leaders of Brazil’s Série A. They have 60 points from 28 games, three clear of Palmeiras on 57, with the league now paused for the FIFA window.

Estudiantes know the Brazilian side’s pedigree. Flamengo beat Independiente del Valle 3–1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, while Estudiantes knocked out Corinthians with a 1–0 second-leg win in São Paulo, through Alexis Castro.

The first leg in Argentina will test Flamengo’s defensive discipline. The return in Rio gives them a familiar, high-energy setting to close the tie.

Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro learn Sudamericana semi-final order

Preview

CONMEBOL also confirmed the Copa Sudamericana semi-final schedule. Boca Juniors host Vasco da Gama at La Bombonera on Tuesday October 13 at 21:30.

The return is on Tuesday October 20 at 21:30 in Brazil. The venue is still to be confirmed, because São Januário falls short of CONMEBOL’s 30,000-seat minimum for this stage.

Atlético Mineiro host Montevideo City Torque at Arena MRV on Wednesday October 14 at 19:00. The second leg is at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on October 21. The final is on November 21 in Barranquilla.

Boca knocked out São Paulo 2–1 on aggregate. Vasco beat Independiente Santa Fe 2–0 at home after a goalless first leg and arrive in their best spell under coach Pedro Emanuel.

The road to Montevideo: what each semi-finalist must do

Feature

The Copa Libertadores final on November 28 at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario is a single match. There is no safety net of a second leg in the final.

For Fluminense, the key is not losing at the Maracanã. A clean sheet at home would put Palmeiras under huge pressure in São Paulo.

Flamengo will want a positive result in La Plata; CONMEBOL no longer uses away goals. A home return at the Maracanã with the tie level would suit them well.

In the Sudamericana, the same two-legged logic applies. Boca and Atlético Mineiro will aim to win their home first legs without conceding.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When is the Copa Libertadores final in 2026?

The 2026 Copa Libertadores final is on Saturday November 28 at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay.

It is a single-match final, so the semi-final winners meet directly for the trophy.

What are the Copa Libertadores semi-final fixtures?

Fluminense host Palmeiras on October 14 at the Maracanã, with the return on October 21 at Nubank Parque, São Paulo.

Estudiantes host Flamengo on October 15 at Estadio UNO in La Plata, with the return on October 22 at the Maracanã. All four matches kick off at 21:30 Brasília time.

Who does Boca Juniors play in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals?

Boca Juniors face Vasco da Gama. The first leg is at La Bombonera on October 13, and the return is in Brazil on October 20, both at 21:30, with the venue still to be confirmed.

Atlético Mineiro face Montevideo City Torque in the other semi-final, at Arena MRV on October 14 and in Montevideo on October 21.