What is the Copa Sudamericana?

The Copa Sudamericana is an elite club-soccer competition featuring teams from across South America. The tournament has been running in its current form since 2002, and is the continent’s equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.

However, that is not to downplay the significance of the Copa Sudamericana for those taking part. It’s a serious business and is often the only opportunity for international glory for the victor. It’s also an incredibly tough competition to win, with the victorious team having gone through a grueling physical challenge from matches at 10,000 feet in the Andes to the cold of an Argentinean winter. 

The winner of the Copa Sudamericana earns a place in next season’s Copa Libertadores and also takes on the victors of this year's competition — either Fluminense or Boca Juniors - in the Recopa Sudamericana. There is an awful lot to win and everything to lose in the Copa Sudamericana Final. 

Who are the finalists?

This year’s final is between a relative newcomer to the international stage and an old hand. Brazil’s Fortaleza are chasing their first ever continental title to become the fifth team from the country to win the Copa Sudamericana. 

Saturday's final will be the 17th game of the season in South American club competition for Fortaleza. The team began its journey in the qualifying rounds of the Copa Libertadores before moving through to the Copa Sudamericana. Fortaleza beat some heavyweight opponents along the way to the final such as Libertad, Atletico Mineiro and Corinthians. Motivation is high for Fortaleza to go one step further and make history for the club. 

Fortaleza are facing Ecuadorian side, LDU Quito, a team with real pedigree both at home and abroad. The 2023 finalists have won both the Copa Sudamericana (2009), the Copa Libertadores (2008) and are eleven-times champions of the Ecuadorian Serie A. 

LDU Quito have had a nerve-wracking journey to the final, needing penalty shoot-outs to get through the Last-16 and quarterfinal stages. The players will be well-drilled for the drama of the final in Maldonado, Uruguay. What’s more, the Ecuadorians have the talismanic striker, Paolo Guerrero, leading the line. The 39-year-old Peruvian forward is looking for a swan song to tie off a storied career at the age of 39. 

Where can I watch the 2023 Copa Sudamericana Final?

The 2023 Copa Sudamericana is exclusively on beIN SPORTS across North America. The match buildup gets underway at 3:30PM ET / 12:30PM PT followed by the final.

What if I want more?

If this match whets your appetite, then you are in luck. The final of the 2023 Copa Libertadores is just around the corner. 

Don’t miss a classic Argentina vs. Brazil battle as Boca Juniors take on Fluminense on Saturday 4th November from 3:30PM ET / 12:30PM PT exclusively on beIN SPORTS.