BUENOS AIRES – The 2026 Copa Argentina continues amidst the current FIFA international window, with Argentina’s national team preparing for the World Cup whereas domestic clubs battle through the early stages of the tournament. Racing Club secured their place in the Round of 16 this past Saturday with a victory over San Martín de Formosa, joining fellow Argentine powerhouses Boca Juniors, River Plate, San Lorenzo, and Independiente in the next phase.
Racing now awaits its opponent, which will be determined by the upcoming match between Defensa y Justicia and Chaco For Ever on Wednesday. Independiente, too, is holding for its draw, set to face the winner of the Monday clash between Unión and Agropecuario.
Boca Juniors advanced with a 2-0 win over Gimnasia de Chivilcoy on February 24, a match highlighted by a two-goal performance from Adam Bareiro. They will face the victor of the yet-to-be-scheduled contest between Sarmiento de Junín and Tristán Suárez.
The Round of 16 promises more challenging matchups. San Lorenzo will renew their rivalry with Deportivo Riestra, while River Plate is set to face Aldosivi. Interestingly, both Aldosivi and Riestra are currently the only teams yet to secure a win in the ongoing Torneo Apertura.
A particularly intriguing section of the bracket features a potential clash between Estudiantes and Rosario Central, a rematch steeped in controversy following the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Torneo Clausura. Further down the line, Barracas Central will play the winner of the match between Huracán and Olimpo, a pairing carrying its own weight of animosity stemming from recent tensions between the clubs.
The early rounds of the Copa Argentina have largely seen the expected results, though there have been a few upsets. Argentinos Juniors were eliminated by Midland, and Central Córdoba, the 2024 champions, fell to Gimnasia de Jujuy.
Several matches are scheduled in the coming days. On Sunday, Huracán will host Olimpo at the Estadio de Estudiantes de Caseros, while Newell’s Aged Boys will take on Acassuso at the Estadio Nuevo Monumental in Rafaela.
Monday will see Unión face Agropecuario at the Newell’s stadium. Wednesday brings a double-header: Defensa y Justicia will play Chaco For Ever at Banfield, and Instituto will host Atlanta in Rafaela.
Five Round of 32 matches remain without confirmed dates: Estudiantes de Río Cuarto versus San Martín de Tucumán; Gimnasia de Mendoza versus Gimnasia y Tiro; Vélez versus Deportivo Armenio; Gimnasia La Plata versus Deportivo Camioneros; and Sarmiento versus Tristán Suárez.
The Copa Argentina, which saw Independiente Rivadavia crowned champions last year, continues to provide a platform for teams across the country to compete for national glory. The tournament’s unique format, designed to include clubs from all levels of Argentine football, consistently delivers compelling narratives and unexpected results.
The competition’s open structure allows for smaller clubs to test themselves against the nation’s elite, creating opportunities for giant-killing upsets and memorable moments. For fans, it’s a chance to follow the progress of their local teams and witness the passion that defines Argentine football.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the upcoming matches that will determine the remaining Round of 16 participants. The games between Defensa y Justicia and Chaco For Ever, and Unión and Agropecuario, will be particularly crucial, as they will set the stage for the next phase of the tournament. Fans can follow updates and results on the official Copa Argentina website and through major sports news outlets.
The next confirmed action is the match between Defensa y Justicia and Chaco For Ever on Wednesday, April 1st, at 7:00 PM local time (10:00 PM UTC) at the Estadio Norberto Tomaghello in Banfield.
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