CONMEBOL has scheduled the group-stage draw for the 2026 Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana for March 19, 2026 [1].
The draw establishes the competitive framework for South America's most prestigious club tournaments. Because these competitions determine continental supremacy and financial rewards, the grouping phase creates the primary narrative for the season's early stages.
The event will take place at the CONMEBOL headquarters in Luque, Paraguay [1]. The organizer said the proceedings are set to begin at 20:00 Brasília time [1]. The ceremony will determine the match-ups for 64 participating clubs [1].
These tournaments represent the pinnacle of club football in the region. The Copa Libertadores serves as the premier competition, while the Copa Sudamericana provides a secondary tier of continental play. Both events draw significant viewership and commercial interest across the South American continent.
CNN Brasil will provide live coverage of the event, with Jairo Nascimento hosting the broadcast. The draw ensures that the 2026 editions of the tournaments follow a transparent process for assigning teams to their respective groups [1].
The 64 clubs [1] involved will see their paths to the knockout stages defined during this ceremony. By centralizing the draw in Luque, CONMEBOL maintains a traditional hub for its administrative and celebratory milestones. The scheduling of the draw on March 19 [1] allows teams to prepare their rosters and travel logistics well in advance of the opening matches.
“The draw establishes the competitive framework for South America's most prestigious club tournaments.”
The timing and location of the draw reflect CONMEBOL's effort to maintain a structured and transparent process for its flagship competitions. By finalizing the group stages in March, the organization provides clubs with the necessary lead time to manage the logistical challenges of cross-continental travel and scheduling, which are critical for the operational success of the 2026 tournaments.
