LIVE! Santa Fe vs. River Plate in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana on beIN SPORTS

Don’t miss the match between Independiente Santa Fe and River Plate in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana on beIN SPORTS.

The wait is over in Bogotá. After the match had to be rescheduled following the earthquake that affected Colombia, Santa Fe and River Plate will finally meet at El Campín for the first leg of a tie that will send one of these teams to the quarterfinals.

CONMEBOL confirmed the new date for Wednesday, August 19, while the second leg will be played one week later in Buenos Aires.

Santa Fe Look to Take Advantage of El Campín

Independiente Santa Fe arrive at this stage after making it through the playoffs and now face one of their biggest challenges of the season.

The Colombian side eliminated Caracas FC in convincing fashion and will now try to carry that momentum into a much more demanding knockout tie.

Playing the first leg in Bogotá could become one of their biggest advantages. The altitude, the support of their fans and the opportunity to dictate the pace from the opening minutes are all factors Santa Fe will try to use before traveling to Argentina.

In attack, the experience of Hugo Rodallega could be one of the Colombian side’s most important weapons. The striker knows how to handle these types of matches, can occupy the center-backs and remains a threat inside the penalty area.

Franco Fagúndez will also be a player to watch after scoring two goals in the playoffs against Caracas FC and playing an important role in securing a place in the Round of 16. Nahuel Bustos provides another attacking option for the team.

For Santa Fe, the mission is clear: make home advantage count at El Campín before having to visit the Mâs Monumental.

River Plate Return to a Sudamericana They Know Well

For River Plate, this Copa Sudamericana represents a different challenge. The Argentine club returned to the competition in 2026 and advanced directly to the Round of 16 after competing in Group H alongside Red Bull Bragantino, Blooming and Carabobo.

But River are no strangers to this competition.

The Millonarios know exactly what it means to lift this trophy. They won the 2014 Copa Sudamericana, a title that marked the beginning of one of the most successful international periods in the club’s recent history. Twelve years later, they are back in the knockout rounds with the intention of making another deep run.

The challenge begins in a difficult environment. Playing in Bogotá means River will have to manage different moments of the match carefully, especially because of the altitude and a Santa Fe side that will likely look to play with high intensity from the opening whistle.

Patience will also be important for the Argentine side. This is only the first chapter of a tie that will conclude at the Mâs Monumental, so returning to Buenos Aires with everything still to play for could be just as important as trying to take an advantage home from Colombia.

River also enter this stage with an expectation that always follows the club in continental competitions: to compete for the title.

This time, the road does not begin at the Monumental.

It begins in Bogotá against a Santa Fe side looking to take advantage of its opportunity and prove it can eliminate one of South America’s giants.

The Tie Begins in Bogotá

Neither team has an advantage. This will be the first of 180 minutes that, in principle, will decide who remains alive in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana.

Santa Fe will look to make the most of playing at home and take a lead into the second leg, while River Plate will try to secure a positive result before deciding the tie in Buenos Aires.

In a knockout series, every detail can be decisive. A goal, a set piece or a defensive mistake can completely change the outlook before the return leg.

If the tie remains level after both matches, the team advancing to the next round will be decided by a penalty shootout.

Santa Fe want to strike first at home.

River Plate are looking to start their knockout-stage journey on the right foot.

Tonight, El Campín hosts the beginning of one of the most attractive Round of 16 matchups in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana.

Don’t miss the match between Independiente Santa Fe and River Plate in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana on beIN SPORTS.

Match: Independiente Santa Fe vs. River Plate
Competition: 2026 Copa Sudamericana
Round: Round of 16 – First Leg
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. Colombia / 9:30 p.m. Argentina / 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT
Stadium: Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín
City: Bogotá, Colombia