- A total of 32 teams will make up the pots for the CONMEBOL Sudamericana group stage draw.
- The draw will take place next Thursday, March 19, at 8:00 PM (Paraguay time).
The draw for the CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026 group stage will take place on Thursday, March 19, starting at 8:00 PM (Paraguay time), at CONMEBOL’s headquarters in Luque, Paraguay. The event will be broadcast live on the competition’s official YouTube channel.
The ceremony will determine the composition of the tournament’s eight groups, each made up of four teams, marking the beginning of the road to the continental title.
A total of 32 teams from ten countries will take part in the group stage draw. Twenty-eight qualified directly, while the remaining four are teams eliminated in Phase 3 of the CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Here is how the pots are structured.
Pot 1
River Plate (ARG)
A regular contender on the continental stage over the past decade, River Plate will begin a new international cycle in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana under head coach Eduardo Coudet. Still managed by Marcelo Gallardo during most of 2025, the Núñez side finished fourth in Argentina’s annual standings to secure their place in the tournament. The competition brings back fond memories: in 2014, they lifted the trophy, marking the beginning of one of the most glorious eras in the club’s history.
Atlético Mineiro (BRA)
Atlético Mineiro closed the Brasileirão with a convincing win on the final matchday, finishing 11th overall and securing qualification as Brazil 4. The Belo Horizonte side, one of the country’s most prominent clubs on the continental stage in recent years, will look to regain competitiveness internationally. With a squad consistently filled with talent and fresh memories of their 2013 Libertadores triumph against Olimpia—as well as their run to the 2024 final against Botafogo—Galo will aim to make the CONMEBOL Sudamericana a platform for another international title push.
São Paulo (BRA)
The São Paulo Tricolor finished 8th in the 2025 Brasileirão, earning a place in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana as Brazil 1. One of the continent’s most storied clubs, three-time Libertadores champions and three-time world champions, São Paulo also boast a strong history in this competition, having won it in 2012 against Tigre. More than a decade later, they will look to repeat that success. Early in the new season, they have already shown promising form, finishing matchday six of the Brasileirão at the top of the table.
Racing (ARG)
La Academia regained its domestic competitiveness under the guidance of Gustavo Costas. In 2024, they were crowned CONMEBOL Sudamericana champions with a dominant victory over Cruzeiro in Asunción. In 2025, they pursued their dream of winning a second Libertadores title, reaching the semi-finals and pushing eventual champions Flamengo to the limit. Finalists in the 2025 Clausura, they fell to Estudiantes on penalties in a match that granted a Libertadores berth. They ultimately secured their place in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana as the fifth-best team in Argentina’s annual standings.
Grêmio (BRA)
Grêmio are another continental heavyweight set to feature in the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana. Three-time Libertadores champions and world champions in 1983, they return to the competition for a second consecutive year after being eliminated in the 2025 round of 16 playoffs by Alianza Lima. Ninth in the latest Brasileirão, their international pedigree makes them a formidable opponent. They have already started 2026 on a high, defeating Internacional in the derby to win the Campeonato Gaúcho.
Olimpia (PAR)
Paraguay’s Decano finished seventh in the aggregate standings and had to come through the preliminary stage to reach the group phase. There, they secured a 1–0 victory over Trinidense thanks to a goal from Rubén Lezcano. With three CONMEBOL Libertadores titles and a rich international history, Olimpia will look to translate their pedigree into a serious title challenge. The side managed by Pablo Vitamina Sánchez is currently enjoying strong form, sitting atop the 2026 Apertura standings.
América de Cali (COL)
The Colombian side secured qualification for the CONMEBOL Sudamericana after finishing sixth in the aggregate table. Entering through the preliminary round, they defeated Bucaramanga 2–1 at the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero, coming from behind with goals from Yeison Guzmán and Jhon Jader Palacios. Four-time CONMEBOL Libertadores runners-up, Los Diablos Rojos will be making their third consecutive appearance in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana, having been eliminated in the 2025 round of 16 by Fluminense.
Santos (BRA)
The historic São Paulo club experienced a dramatic end to the season: a 3–0 victory over Cruzeiro on the final matchday of the Brasileirão secured their survival and lifted them to 12th place, earning a spot in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. Forever associated with Pelé, Santos are currently in a rebuilding phase, but with the boost provided by Neymar—CONMEBOL Libertadores champion with the club in 2011—they return to the international stage aiming to regain prominence.
Pot 2
San Lorenzo (ARG)
El Ciclón return to the CONMEBOL Sudamericana after finishing seventh in Argentina’s annual standings. Champions of this competition in 2002—when they secured the first international title in the club’s history, later reinforced by their 2014 Libertadores triumph—the Boedo side will look to make their mark on the continental stage once again. With a competitive identity, the weight of their history, and a promising group of young players who have delivered over the past year, San Lorenzo will aim to turn the Sudamericana into a new platform for prominence.
Red Bull Bragantino (BRA)
Bragantino collected 48 points in the Brasileirão, finishing 10th and securing qualification as Brazil 3 in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. The club has established itself as a competitive project within Brazilian football, built on a dynamic style of play and a youthful squad. They will look to shine again internationally, having reached the Sudamericana final in 2021—their first continental appearance—after defeating Independiente del Valle, Rosario Central, and Libertad before falling to Athletico Paranaense in Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.
Palestino (CHI)
Bragantino collected 48 points in the Brasileirão, finishing 10th and securing qualification as Brazil 3 in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. The club has established itself as a competitive project within Brazilian football, built on a dynamic style of play and a youthful squad. They will look to shine again internationally, having reached the Sudamericana final in 2021—their first continental appearance—after defeating Independiente del Valle, Rosario Central, and Libertad before falling to Athletico Paranaense in Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.
Millonarios (COL)
El Ballet Azul arrive at the CONMEBOL Sudamericana draw on the back of eliminating Atlético Nacional in the preliminary round of a new edition of Colombia’s Superclásico. Inspired by a standout performance from Rodrigo Contreras, they secured a 3–1 victory over the current domestic league leaders, knocking their rivals out of continental competition. Although they currently sit 11th in the league after eleven matchdays, the result brought great joy to their supporters.
Caracas (VEN)
Los Rojos del Ávila finished the season in sixth place in Venezuela’s aggregate standings, securing another international appearance. In the preliminary round, they defeated Metropolitanos on penalties to seal qualification for the group stage for the second consecutive year. Despite a slow start in the domestic league, they will aim to make a strong impact on the continental stage.
Vasco da Gama (BRA)
The historic Rio de Janeiro club entered the CONMEBOL Sudamericana with the final available berth after finishing 14th in the 2025 Brasileirão. Libertadores champions in 1998— a competition they have not played since 2018—Vasco will now compete in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana for the ninth time in their history. In 2025, their return after five years ended in the round of 16 playoffs against Independiente del Valle. Runners-up in the latest Copa do Brasil, the Gigante da Colina will look to balance a steady domestic campaign with renewed continental ambitions.
Tigre (ARG)
El Matador were one of the breakout teams in Argentine football in 2025 thanks to their consistency, finishing among the top eight in both domestic tournaments—a formula that secured their qualification as the ninth-best team in the annual standings. Their strong form has carried into 2026, highlighted by wins over Racing in Victoria and a commanding victory against River at the Monumental, with just one defeat so far. Runners-up in the 2012 CONMEBOL Sudamericana, they will look to translate their domestic form onto the continental stage in pursuit of the title.
Cienciano (PER)
Peru’s only international champion has a special bond with the CONMEBOL Sudamericana, dating back to their historic triumph in 2003. In that unforgettable campaign, they eliminated Universidad Católica, Santos, and Atlético Nacional before defeating River Plate in the final to lift the trophy—becoming the first Peruvian club to win an international title .
After more than a decade away from continental competitions, ‘La Furia Roja’ returned to the CONMEBOL Sudamericana in 2022 and only missed the 2024 edition. In 2025, they recorded their best recent campaign by finishing top of their group ahead of Atlético Mineiro, although they were later eliminated by Bolívar in the round of 16. This time, they had to overcome Melgar on penalties—after a 1–1 draw—in the preliminary round to secure their place in the March 19 draw.
Pot 3
Audax Italiano (CHI)
Los Tanos endured a long night at the Estadio Zorros del Desierto to secure their place in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana group stage: they drew 1–1 against Cobresal and advanced via a penalty shootout. After their last appearance in 2023—when they were eliminated in the round of 16 playoffs by compatriots Ñublense—Audax will look to continue their continental growth.
Blooming (BOL)
Blooming reached the preliminary stage after finishing fifth in Bolivia’s league standings and took another step forward by defeating San Antonio Bulo Bulo to book their place in the group stage with a commanding 3–0 victory, thanks to goals from Bayron Garcés, Anthony Vásquez Arcila, and Roberto Hinojosa. One of the traditional clubs in Bolivian football, the Santa Cruz side returns to continental competition for a second consecutive year after being eliminated in Phase 1 of the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores, a tournament in which they were semi-finalists in 1985.
Academia Puerto Cabello (VEN)
Runners-up in the 2025 Clausura, Academia Puerto Cabello qualified for the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana and secured their place in the group stage after eliminating Monagas on penalties—an area in which they have shown strength in continental play. Founded just eleven years ago, ‘Los Guerreros del Fortín’ continue to make steady progress and approach this campaign with the ambition of further building their history on the international stage.
Boston River (URU)
Sixth in Uruguay’s annual standings, Boston River earned a place in the preliminary round and achieved a notable result by eliminating Racing to reach the group stage. The Montevideo side has become a regular contender among Uruguay’s emerging clubs in continental competitions and will aim to further strengthen their international profile. Fredy Martínez scored the decisive goal, continuing a trend in their continental appearances, complemented by a strong home record: they have lost just once at home in CONMEBOL competitions since 2018 (6 wins, 3 draws), keeping a clean sheet in 50% of those matches.
Montevideo City Torque (URU)
They secured Uruguay’s final berth after finishing eighth in the annual standings. In the preliminary round, they overcame Defensor Sporting—a club with strong continental pedigree—to book their place in the group stage. Backed by a modern structure and a project focused on player development, the sky-blue side will look to make an impact in their third international appearance, having previously competed in the 2021 CONMEBOL Sudamericana and the 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Deportivo Cuenca (ECU)
The Ecuadorian side qualified after finishing second in the second hexagonal stage of their domestic league. They then confirmed their place by defeating Libertad 3–0 in the preliminary round, with goals from Melvin Díaz, Ignacio Moquera, and Nicolás Leguizamón. This will be their third CONMEBOL Sudamericana appearance in the last four years and their first time reaching the group stage.
Independiente Petrolero (BOL)
El Matador secured a spot in the preliminary stage after finishing sixth in Bolivia’s league standings. They capitalized on that opportunity by defeating compatriots Guabirá on penalties to advance to the group stage. The Sucre-based club will look to build on their recent growth and aim to emerge as one of the surprises in their debut in the competition, following their participation in the 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Macará (ECU)
Macará topped Ecuador’s second hexagonal and then confirmed their international qualification by edging Orense in the preliminary round, courtesy of a long-range goal from Gastón Blanc. The Ambato side return to the continental stage after four editions away. This will be their third CONMEBOL Sudamericana appearance, in addition to two Libertadores campaigns—all of them since 2018.
Pot 4
Recoleta (PAR)
Their first-ever international campaign could not have started in a better way. After securing qualification by finishing sixth in Paraguay’s aggregate standings, Los Canarios delivered one of the most remarkable results of the preliminary stage, eliminating Nacional on penalties following a 1–1 draw in regulation time. Riding the momentum of that historic achievement, Recoleta now awaits the March 19 draw to discover their group stage opponents.
Alianza Atlético (PER)
Alianza Atlético finished fifth in Peru’s aggregate table and earned the right to compete in the preliminary stage of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. They made a strong statement there, defeating Deportivo Garcilaso 2–0 to seal their place in the group stage. It marks a historic moment for the Sullana-based club, which has not played in a continental competition since 2009, with round of 16 appearances in 2004, 2005, and 2009 as their best results.
Barracas Central (ARG)
El Guapo, who finished tenth in Argentina’s annual standings, secured their place in the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana thanks to Lanús’ title win in 2025, which opened an additional qualification spot. As a result, Barracas Central will continue to build on their historic rise with their first-ever appearance on the international stage.
Deportivo Riestra (ARG)
Los Malevos, one of the teams that best exploits direct play in modern football, finished sixth in the annual standings and became one of the biggest surprises of the Argentine season by qualifying for an international tournament for the first time in their history. Competitive against even the country’s strongest sides since their promotion to the top division in 2024—highlighted by a victory over River Plate at the Monumental—they turned their home ground into a fortress, going 27 matches unbeaten over one year and five months and recording a streak of eleven consecutive clean sheets.
Botafogo (BRA)
The 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores champions suffered a home defeat against Barcelona Sporting Club that forced them into a return to the CONMEBOL Sudamericana, a competition they had not played since 2023. With a squad that still features several of the players who lifted the continental crown, Fogão will be expected to take on a leading role in the group stage of a tournament in which they have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in nine previous appearances.
Juventud (URU)
The Uruguayan side fell short against Independiente Medellín in the CONMEBOL Libertadores preliminary round and, following that elimination, dropped into the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. That setback does not overshadow the strong campaign that earned them a Libertadores berth as the fourth-best team in their country’s annual standings. Now they will look to regroup in the Sudamericana, a competition they have played only once before, in 2015, when they were eliminated on penalties by Emelec in the second round.
O’Higgins (CHI)
The Rancagua-based club was eliminated in the third preliminary round of the CONMEBOL Libertadores and now enters the Sudamericana, where they will be part of Pot 4. Although they fell just short of reaching the Libertadores group stage, O’Higgins still has the opportunity to compete on the continental stage in a tournament they have not played since 2017, when they exited in the first round.
Carabobo (VEN)
The Venezuelan side also exited in the third preliminary round of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, losing on penalties to Sporting Cristal despite securing an important away win in Lima. That result sent them into the CONMEBOL Sudamericana group stage. A regular participant in the Libertadores over the past five years, Carabobo will now make their sixth Sudamericana appearance, having last competed in 2024, when they were eliminated in the preliminary phase by Metropolitanos.
