CONMEBOL confirmed that the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final between Atlético Mineiro and Boca Juniors will kick off at 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, November 21, at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia, as reported by AS Colombia. The governing body’s scheduled kickoff time sets the match for 7:30 p.m. in Argentina and Brazil, marking the first time Colombia hosts a single-match continental final since the format was introduced in 2019.
Kickoff Time Set After Schedule Adjustments
The confirmed 5:30 p.m. local schedule in Barranquilla arrives after initial discussions considered moving the start later to counter afternoon heat, according to reporting by TyC Sports. The match time is locked at 5:30 p.m. in Colombia, corresponding to 7:30 p.m. in Buenos Aires and Brasília. The Estadio Metropolitano underwent extensive remodeling months prior to the fixture to comply with CONMEBOL infrastructure requirements for its debut as a single-match continental host.
Ticket Sales Roll Out Across Categories
General public ticket sales for Categories 1 and 2 opened on October 30 via the official CONMEBOL ticket platform, with prices set at $250 and $180 USD respectively, as detailed by Infobae. An initial exclusive window for Colombian residents allowed local buyers to purchase up to four Category 2 tickets nominative to national ID holders, a batch that sold out in record time according to TyC Sports. The organization priced Category 3 tickets at $90 USD, reserved for the supporters of the two finalist clubs, with sale dates for those sections yet to be formally announced.
🗓️ Horario confirmado para la Final de la CONMEBOL #Sudamericana: @Atletico y @BocaJrsOficial jugarán el 21/11, en Barranquilla, a las 17:30, hora local 🇦🇷🏆🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/9wJIEQxOaL
Travel Demand Spikes From Argentina
The high-stakes matchup has triggered a surge in travel interest from Argentina to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Travel platform Despegar reported an 800-percent spike in searches for flights to Barranquilla during the nine days following the semifinal conclusion compared to the previous year, as covered by Portafolio. To accommodate the influx of supporters, Barranquilla mayor Alejandro Char announced a partnership with LATAM Airlines to establish four direct flights between Buenos Aires and Barranquilla for November 21.
Commercial round-trip tickets on Aerolíneas Argentinas for dates surrounding the match ranged between $1,600 and $2,000 USD including taxes, according to figures cited by Portafolio. Meanwhile, connecting flights on LATAM for travel between November 20 and 22 showed regional pricing structures between 1.8 million and 3.6 million Colombian pesos.
Squads and Historical Stakes in Play
Boca Juniors advanced to the final by overturning a 1–0 first-leg deficit against Vasco da Gama with a 3–1 victory at the Maracanã under manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena, as noted by Infobae. Atlético Mineiro secured their spot under coach Eduardo Domínguez by defeating Montevideo City Torque 3–2 on aggregate, anchored by a 3–0 win in Belo Horizonte. The Xeneize are pursuing their third Sudamericana title after lifting the trophy in 2004 and 2005, while the Brazilian side aims for its first tournament victory after falling to Lanús on penalties in the previous edition.
Colombian representation on the pitch is guaranteed regardless of the winner. Kevin Castaño y Mateo Cassierra jugarán para Atlético Mineiro, mientras que Álvaro Montero y Sebastián Villa defienden los colores del Xeneize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stadiums have hosted previous single-match Copa Sudamericana finals?
Since CONMEBOL adopted the single-match format in 2019, finals have been played at venues including Estadio General Pablo Rojas in Asunción, Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, and Estadio Defensores del Chaco.
What happens if the match ends in a draw?
Per tournament regulations, knockout matches tied at the end of regulation time proceed directly to a penalty shootout without extra time.
When will Category 3 tickets for finalist supporters go on sale?
CONMEBOL stated that the start date for the $90 USD Category 3 ticket sales for Atlético Mineiro and Boca Juniors fan sections will be communicated through official channels once coordination with the clubs is finalized.
