Pre-Libertadores 2026 draw: see date and time with Bahia and Botafogo involved

The Confederação Sul-Americana of Futebol (Conmebol) announced this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the date and time of the draw for the preliminary phases of Bahia and Botafogo represent the Brazilian clubs involved in the preview so far.

The draw defines the seeding of the first three elimination rounds, all in a knockout format. Quatro teams advance to join the 28 teams already qualified directly for the group stage. The decision may be adjusted depending on the result of the final of the Copa of the Brasil, scheduled for December 21st.

• Flamengo, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, Mirassol and Fluminense already guarantee places in the groups.
• The pre-Libertadores begins on February 3, 2026, with duels between teams from Bolívia, Equador, Paraguai, Peru, Uruguai and Venezuela.
• Brazilians only enter the second phase, on February 18th and 25th.

The final of Copa of Brasil influences the scenario because the champion secures a direct place in the group stage of Libertadores. Isso can move places in the preview to other Brazilian teams.

🍀🏆 Anote on the agenda! Dia and CONMEBOL Fase Preliminar draw time#Libertadores2026.pic.twitter.com/iSGYzMq4bk

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR)December 10, 2025

Possible scenarios for Brazilian representatives

The current configuration places Bahia and Botafogo in the initial qualifiers. Caso the final of Copa of Brasil is between Corinthians and Vasco, both clubs remain in the preview. Torcedores follow closely, as the result changes the planning for 2026.

If Cruzeiro or Fluminense lifts the trophy, Botafogo advances to the groups, and São Paulo takes the place next to Bahia. Essa possibility arises because Cruzeiro and Fluminense finished Brasileirão in the top five, prioritizing them in the distribution of places.

Conmebol chose to hold the draw before the final to speed up the calendar. Representantes of clubs monitor developments, adjusting preparation strategies.

Structure of the knockout stages

The three preliminary rounds follow a direct confrontation model, with round-trip games. The first phase brings together six teams in three duels, the winners of which progress to the second stage. Ali, Botafogo and Bahia enter, in addition to other initial classifications.

The winners of the second phase will compete in the third, on March 4 and 11, 2026. Quatro teams are classified, totaling 32 in the group stage. The group draw takes place on March 18th, and the competition starts on April 8th.

Brazilian clubs already guaranteed in groups

Flamengo arrives as current champion, after a 1-0 victory over Palmeiras in the 2025 final, in Lima. The fourth Brazilian championship reinforces the red and black tradition in the tournament. Palmeiras, runner-up, seeks a rematch in the next edition.

Cruzeiro returns to the continental elite with a direct place, thanks to its performance in the Brasileirão. Mirassol debuts at Libertadores, representing the interior of São Paulo and surprising at Série B. Fluminense completes the quintet, with a history of recent achievements.

These teams prepare squads for the marathon of games, including Sul-Americana in parallel. Conmebol expanded the format to more than 40 clubs, raising the level of competition.

Debutants and notable absences from the tournament

Five teams debut at Libertadores 2026, expanding geographic diversity. Mirassol, from Brasil, Platense and Independiente Rivadavia, from Argentina, 2 from Mayo, from Paraguai, and Essas new features promise unpredictable clashes in the early stages.

River Plate, an Argentine giant, is left out of the edition, which surprises analysts. The absence is due to ranking criteria based on 2025 domestic performance. Outros South American heavyweights, like Boca Juniors, maintain a presence via ranking.

The preview tests the resilience of smaller clubs, with long journeys and climate adaptations. Histórico shows that newcomers can advance, as happened with Bolivian teams in past editions.

Preparation of teams for the continental calendar

Bahia begins assembling the squad with a focus on reinforcements for eliminatory duels. The Bahian club, seventh in the Brasileirão, prioritizes versatile signings for the rotation. Treinos and Salvador already incorporate knockout simulations.

Botafogo, sixth placed, evaluates options on the market to strengthen the midfield. The possibility of skipping the preview motivates the football department. Jogadores as the 2025 team’s top scorer trains intensely to stay in shape.

Coaches of the guaranteed teams adjust tactics for the new format. Conmebol requires compliance with financial fair play rules, influencing negotiations. Clubes Brazilians invest in gyms for physical recovery.

Key calendar dates for Libertadores 2026

The tournament follows a tight schedule, integrating it into the national calendar. The group stage runs until June, with finals in November. Pausas for FIFA dates impact lineups.

• First phase: February 3rd and 10th.
• Second phase: February 18th and 25th.
• Third phase: March 4th and 11th.
• Group draw: March 18th.
• Start of the group stage: April 8th.

These dates require logistical planning, especially for teams traveling intercontinentally. Conmebol broadcasts all games via official platforms.

Impact of Copa of Brasil on planning

The final of Copa of Brasil, on December 21st, defines the last classified for the groups. Corinthians and Vasco are currently competing for the title, keeping Bahia and Botafogo in the preview. Qualquer change requires rapid readjustment of strategies.

Clubs monitor the clash in neutral stadiums, with divided fans. The winner not only wins the cup, but also a direct place, relieving initial pressure. Perdedor may indirectly affect Brazilian rivals.

Analysts predict that the outcome will accelerate transfer negotiations. Times like São Paulo prepare plans B if they take up a place in the preview.