The Copa Libertadores 2026 Round of 16 is officially set following Friday's draw in Luque, Paraguay, with defending champions Flamengo facing fellow Brazilian side Cruzeiro in one of the standout matchups.

The clash guarantees at least one Brazilian club a place in the quarterfinals and headlines a knockout stage filled with intriguing storylines.

Flamengo and Cruzeiro headline the draw

Flamengo, winners of the 2025 Libertadores title, will begin their title defense against Cruzeiro in a highly anticipated all-Brazilian showdown.

The Rio de Janeiro side will aim to continue its quest for another continental crown, while Cruzeiro hopes to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Palmeiras renew rivalry with Cerro Porteño

Another notable Round of 16 matchup will see Palmeiras take on Cerro Porteño.

The Paraguayan club finished first in Group F ahead of Palmeiras and now prepares for its 19th Libertadores meeting with the Brazilian giants.

Their previous encounters have produced ten Palmeiras victories, five draws and three wins for Cerro Porteño.

Debutants continue their historic campaigns

The draw also handed difficult challenges to two first-time Libertadores participants.

Mirassol will face Ecuadorian powerhouse Liga de Quito, champions of the competition in 2008.

Meanwhile, Independiente Rivadavia will take on Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores.

Copa Libertadores 2026 Round of 16 matchups

• Estudiantes vs Universidad Católica
• Mirassol vs Liga de Quito
• Fluminense vs Independiente Rivadavia
• Deportes Tolima vs Independiente del Valle
• Cruzeiro vs Flamengo
• Platense vs Coquimbo Unido
• Palmeiras vs Cerro Porteño
• Rosario Central vs Corinthians

When will the Libertadores return?

The competition will pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and resume during the week of August 10.

The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled to be played in Montevideo on November 28.

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