Copa Sudamericana

Publication date: 31 Aug 2022

About the Copa Sudamericana

The CONMEBOL Sudamericana (Copa Sudamericana) is an international football competition for clubs from the countries that are members of CONMEBOL. Copa Sudamericana is generally considered to be the second most important football tournament after the Copa Libertadores in South America. There are 56 teams participating in the tournament.

CONMEBOL official website

Copa Sudamericana 2025 season

The tournament starts on March 4 and ends on November 22, 2025. The final match will be held in Bolivia, at the Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera stadium in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This choice was unexpected. After all, stadiums in Brazil and Argentina were previously considered as possible venues. However, Bolivia has already hosted important football events. And now local fans will be able to enjoy the final of one of the most spectacular tournaments on the continent.

Who is participating?

The Cup includes 44 teams from 10 South American countries:

Clubs that took certain places in their national championships.
Teams that failed to reach the Copa Libertadores playoffs.
The winner of the previous Copa Sudamericana.
This season, the tournament will once again feature representatives from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela.

Tournament Favorites

As in previous seasons, the favorites are the Brazilian and Argentine clubs. In recent years, they have lifted the trophy more often than others. The main contenders for victory include:

Sao Paulo, Internacional, Atletico Paranaense (Brazil);
Independiente, Boca Juniors, River Plate (Argentina);
Atletico Nacional (Colombia);
Peñarol, Nacional (Uruguay).
It should be noted that the current winner of the tournament is the Argentine club Racing. Last season, they managed to beat their rivals and win the title.

What is the South American Cup famous for?

This tournament is known for its unpredictability and exciting matches. Unlike the Copa Libertadores, where a few top clubs dominate, here lesser-known teams have a chance to succeed. That is why the South American Cup often becomes the arena for sensations.

What makes it special?

High level of competition – matches are often held in a tense atmosphere, and the finals become real battles.
Opportunity for young players – many South American footballers use this tournament to make a name for themselves in front of top clubs.
Promotion to the Copa Libertadores – the winner of the tournament automatically receives a ticket to the next edition of the main club tournament of the continent.
Intense emotions – football in South America is not just a game, but an entire culture with incredible fan support.

History of the Copa Sudamericana

The first draw of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana took place in 2002.

In 2003, thanks to sponsorship by Nissan Motors, the name of the Cup was changed to Copa Nissan Sudamericana. That year, the tournament was joined by Brazilian clubs that could not participate in the first tournament due to overlapping match dates.

In 2005, clubs from CONCACAF America and Mexico were invited to participate in the Cup.

The winner of the 2006 tournament was C.F. Pachuca from Mexico.

In 2017, there was a change in the timing of the tournament, with the preliminary rounds taking place in the first half of the year. In the same year, the name was changed to the modern-day CONMEBOL Sudamericana.

Previous winners of the Copa Sudamericana

2026 Copa Sudamericana

There is currently no official information about the location and dates of the Copa Sudamericana in the 2026 season. Traditionally, the tournament, known as the Copa Sudamericana, is organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and has been held annually since 2002. The tournament usually takes place throughout the year, starting in March or April, with the finals in November or December.

Keep an eye on the dates of football tournaments and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.