Asunción, Paraguay – March 7, 2026 – The field is set for the group stage of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, with the preliminary rounds now complete. While four spots remain to be filled by teams dropping down from the Copa Libertadores 2026, CONMEBOL has finalized the composition of the four pots for the upcoming group stage draw. The competition is heating up as clubs across South America prepare to battle for continental glory.
The Copa Sudamericana, South America’s second-tier club competition, provides a crucial pathway to international football for clubs outside of the Copa Libertadores elite. This year’s edition promises a compelling mix of established powers and ambitious upstarts, all vying for a chance to lift the trophy.
Paraguayan Representation: Olimpia and Recoleta FC
Paraguay will be represented in the competition by two clubs: Olimpia and Recoleta FC. Olimpia secured their place with a 1-0 victory over Sportivo Trinidense, courtesy of a goal from Rubén Lezcano. Recoleta FC, meanwhile, advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Nacional, prevailing 5-4 after a 1-1 draw. The hero for Recoleta was substitute goalkeeper Óscar Toledo, whose performance in the shootout proved decisive.
The Copa Sudamericana 2026 Pots
The pots for the group stage draw are determined by the CONMEBOL Club Ranking. Here’s a breakdown of the teams in each pot:
Pot 1
Olimpia headlines Pot 1, joining a strong contingent of established clubs including River Plate, Atlético Mineiro, São Paulo, Racing de Avellaneda, Grêmio de Porto Alegre, Santos, and América de Cali. Teams in Pot 1 will avoid facing each other in the group stage.
Pot 2
Details regarding the composition of Pot 2 were not available at the time of publication, but it will consist of teams ranked lower than those in Pot 1.
Pot 3
Similar to Pot 2, the teams in Pot 3 will be determined by the CONMEBOL Club Ranking and will feature clubs ranked below those in Pots 1 and 2.
Pot 4
Recoleta FC finds itself in Pot 4, marking a historic first appearance in the competition for the club. They are joined by Alianza Atlético, Barracas Central, and Deportivo Riestra. The final four teams in Pot 4 will be the four clubs eliminated in the third phase of the Copa Libertadores 2026: Juventud or Independiente Medellín; O’Higgins or Tolima; Carabobo or Sporting Cristal; and Barcelona or Botafogo. The identity of these four teams will be confirmed following the conclusion of the Libertadores qualifying rounds.
When is the Draw?
The draw for the Copa Sudamericana 2026 group stage is scheduled for Thursday, March 19th, at 8:00 PM local time (Paraguay Time), at CONMEBOL headquarters in Luque, Paraguay. The draw will also officially confirm the group stage lineup for the Copa Libertadores 2026, with Cerro Porteño and Libertad already having secured their spots.
For fans following the competition, the draw will be a key moment, revealing the paths that Olimpia and Recoleta FC will accept as they compete for a place in the knockout stages. The draw will determine not only their immediate opponents but also the overall difficulty of their group, impacting their chances of progressing to the later rounds of the tournament.
The Copa Sudamericana continues to be a vital platform for South American football, showcasing the talent and passion of clubs from across the continent. With the group stage draw approaching, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling competition.
Next Up: The Copa Sudamericana group stage draw will take place on March 19th in Luque, Paraguay. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of the draw and all the latest news from the Copa Sudamericana 2026.
What are your predictions for the Copa Sudamericana? Let us grasp in the comments below!
