When Are the 2026 Copa Libertadores Semifinals?
The tournament enters its decisive stage with three teams already through and one final quarterfinal matchup still to be decided.
The 2026 Copa Libertadores is getting closer to determining the two teams that will battle for South America's biggest club trophy. Estudiantes, Fluminense and Palmeiras have already secured their places in the semifinals, with just one quarterfinal matchup left to be decided.
Fluminense and Palmeiras will meet in an all-Brazilian semifinal. On the other side of the bracket, Estudiantes de La Plata will face Flamengo for a spot in the final.
The semifinals will be played in October, with each matchup decided over two legs. The two winners will advance to the final on November 28 in Montevideo.
When Are the 2026 Copa Libertadores Semifinals?
The semifinals will take place over two consecutive weeks. The first legs are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 14, with the return legs set for Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21.
The exact date and kickoff time for each match have yet to be confirmed and will be announced once the remaining quarterfinal matchup is completed.
For now, the semifinal bracket looks like this:
First legs — October 13 or 14
- Estudiantes vs. Flamengo/Independiente del Valle
- Fluminense vs. Palmeiras
Second legs — October 20 or 21
- Flamengo/Independiente del Valle vs. Estudiantes
- Palmeiras vs. Fluminense
Fluminense and Palmeiras Set for All-Brazilian Clash
One of the two semifinals is already locked in. Fluminense and Palmeiras will battle for a place in the Copa Libertadores final.
Fluminense advanced after eliminating Platense, while Palmeiras survived a difficult quarterfinal against Liga de Quito, eventually securing its place from the penalty spot.
Fluminense will host the opening leg before the tie is decided with Palmeiras at home in the return match.
Flamengo Will Face Estudiantes in the Semifinals
Estudiantes de La Plata now know the final obstacle standing between them and a place in the 2026 Copa Libertadores final. The Argentine side will face Flamengo, who completed the semifinal lineup after eliminating Independiente del Valle.
The Brazilian giants won the quarterfinal 3-1 on aggregate to claim the final available spot in the last four. Based on the bracket, Estudiantes will host the first leg, with Flamengo playing the decisive return match in Brazil.
For Estudiantes, reaching this stage marks the end of a long wait for another Libertadores semifinal appearance. Their previous trip to the final four came in 2009, when they went on to lift the trophy.
When and Where Is the 2026 Copa Libertadores Final?
The two semifinal winners will meet on Saturday, November 28, 2026, to crown the next champion of South America.
The final will be played as a single match at the historic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay. The kickoff time has not yet been confirmed.
Before attention turns to Montevideo, four semifinal matches remain and one major question still needs an answer: who will get a spot in the final game: Flamengo Estudiantes, Fluminense and Palmeiras?
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Copa Libertadores semifinals will be played on October 13-14 and October 20-21.
- Fluminense vs. Palmeiras is the first confirmed semifinal.
- Estudiantes will face Flamengo in the other side of the brackett.
