LUQUE, Paraguay – The draw for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage took place Thursday, setting the stage for a compelling continental competition featuring several Argentine powerhouses, including River Plate, Boca Juniors, and San Lorenzo. The tournament, adjusted to accommodate the FIFA World Cup schedule, will run from April 7 to May 28, 2026.
River Plate returns to the Copa Sudamericana after a 12-year absence, aiming to recapture the title they last won in 2014. The Buenos Aires club will face a challenging Group H alongside Red Bull Bragantino of Brazil, Blooming of Bolivia, and Carabobo of Venezuela. This marks a significant return for Los Millonarios to the second-tier South American club competition, having focused on the Copa Libertadores in recent years.
San Lorenzo, also of Argentina, landed in Group D and will have a high-profile matchup against Santos of Brazil, featuring superstar Neymar. They’ll also face Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador and Recoleta of Paraguay in a group considered one of the most attractive of the tournament. The presence of Neymar adds considerable star power and intrigue to this particular group.
Racing Club, another Argentine side, finds itself in Group E, where they will compete against Caracas of Venezuela, Independiente Bolivia, and Botafogo of Brazil. Notably, the clash with Botafogo will be a rematch of the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana final, adding an extra layer of intensity to the fixture.
The tournament format sees the eight groups comprised of four teams each. The group winners will advance directly to the Round of 16, while the second-placed teams will enter a playoff stage against the third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores groups. This structure provides multiple pathways to progression for the Argentine clubs.
Beyond the Argentine contingent, the draw revealed several other fascinating matchups. Atlético Mineiro of Brazil, runners-up in last year’s competition, heads Group B, facing Cienciano of Peru, Academia Puerto Cabello of Venezuela, and Juventud of Uruguay. América de Cali of Colombia leads Group A, taking on Tigre of Argentina, Macará of Ecuador, and Alianza Atlético of Peru.
The competition’s adjusted schedule is a direct result of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, requiring a compressed timeline for the group stage. This will demand a high level of performance and adaptability from all participating teams, including the Argentine clubs as they balance domestic commitments with their continental aspirations.
For River Plate, the Copa Sudamericana represents an opportunity to build momentum and potentially secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores for the following season. Under the guidance of manager Eduardo Coudet, the team will be looking to leverage their experience and quality to navigate a challenging group. The return to the competition is seen as a chance to re-establish their dominance in South American football.
San Lorenzo’s group presents a significant test, particularly with the inclusion of Neymar’s Santos. However, the team’s strong squad and tactical flexibility should make them a competitive force. Their success in the group stage will depend on their ability to contain Neymar and exploit weaknesses in the defenses of their opponents.
Racing Club’s group, while challenging, offers a realistic path to qualification. Their experience in continental competitions and the tactical acumen of manager Gustavo Costas will be crucial as they navigate a group featuring a familiar foe in Botafogo. The rematch against the Brazilian side is sure to be a highly anticipated encounter.
The 2026 Copa Sudamericana promises to be a thrilling competition, with the Argentine clubs poised to play a prominent role. The group stage draw has set the stage for a series of compelling matchups and intense rivalries, as teams battle for continental glory.
The next confirmed checkpoint for these teams will be the commencement of the group stage matches on the week of April 7, 2026. Fans can follow official updates and schedules on the CONMEBOL website and through their respective club channels.
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