The dates and kickoff times for the 2026 Copa Libertadores semifinals have been officially confirmed, setting up a high-stakes penultimate round featuring Estudiantes de La Plata and Brazil’s remaining heavyweights, according to tournament scheduling announcements released by CONMEBOL and regional sports reporting.
The Semifinal Matchups and Official Schedule
Estudiantes stands as the lone non-Brazilian club remaining among the final four, challenging a dominant contingent from Brazil that features Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Flamengo.
The first-leg fixtures open on Wednesday, October 14, with Fluminense hosting Palmeiras at 21:30 local time. One night later on Thursday, October 15, Estudiantes will face Flamengo also kicking off at 21:30 local time.
The return legs reverse the home-and-away assignments the following week. Palmeiras welcomes Fluminense on Wednesday, October 21, at 21:30 local time, while Flamengo hosts Estudiantes in the decisive second leg on Thursday, October 22, at 21:30 local time.
Estudiantes Breaks Brazilian Hegemony
Estudiantes enters the semifinal stage as the sole representative outside of Brazil, interrupting what has otherwise been an overwhelming display of depth from Brazilian clubs in South America’s premier club competition. While Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Flamengo battle on one side and among themselves, the squad from La Plata carries the torch for Argentine football into the final four.
Road to the Estadio Centenario
The winners of these two semifinal series will advance directly to the single-match continental final scheduled for Saturday, November 28, at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. While CONMEBOL has not yet finalized the exact kickoff time for the championship match, scheduling parallels from previous years—such as the 2025 final which got underway at 18:00 Argentina time—serve as a practical reference for traveling supporters and broadcasters.
As clubs finalize their training blocks ahead of the mid-October clashes, supporters can monitor official CONMEBOL channels for any late logistical updates, ticket distribution details, and broadcast assignments.
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