25 Aug 2026
How the 2026 Copa Libertadores works: stages, berths and qualification
The 2026 Copa Libertadores is expected to feature 47 clubs and retain its format of preliminary rounds, a group stage and knockout rounds. Find out how teams enter the tournament, how the points system works and which criteria determine who qualifies.
How many clubs will compete in the 2026 Copa Libertadores
The competition is expected to feature 47 participants. Clubs enter through one of three preliminary rounds or directly into the group stage, depending on their position in their domestic leagues and cups. Conmebol confirms the final number of berths and the schedule for each edition in its official regulations.
How the preliminary rounds work
The preliminary rounds are played over two legs. The winner advances, while the loser is eliminated from the Libertadores. In the third preliminary round, eliminated clubs normally move into the Copa Sudamericana, subject to the season's rules. Ties are determined by draw and may include restrictions to avoid matches between clubs from the same country at certain stages.
How the group stage works
The group stage features 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four. Each team plays the other three sides twice—once at home and once away—over six matchdays. A win is worth three points, a draw one and a defeat none. The top two in each group advance to the round of 16. The team finishing third drops into the Copa Sudamericana, while the fourth-placed side is eliminated from continental competitions.
How the knockout rounds work
The round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals are played over two legs. The team with the best group-stage record hosts the second leg in the round of 16, subject to the draw and the competition regulations. If the aggregate score is level, the tie is decided on penalties. The away-goals rule does not apply.
How the 2026 Copa Libertadores final is decided
The final is played as a single match at a stadium selected in advance by Conmebol. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the match goes to two 15-minute periods of extra time. If the teams remain level, the winner is decided on penalties. The champion wins the continental title and qualifies for the Recopa Sudamericana and the FIFA Club World Cup, subject to the governing bodies' criteria for the season.
How Brazilian clubs qualify
Brazil's berths are allocated mainly through the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa do Brasil. The Libertadores holders also qualify for the following edition, while the Copa Sudamericana winners may receive an additional berth. When an already qualified club wins another competition, the berth is usually reallocated according to the domestic league standings, in line with Brazilian regulations and Conmebol rules.
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Analysis: PK Sport · our methodology
Analysis based on public data and market signals. For analysis only — not betting advice.