Pre-Libertadores 2026 draw pits Brazilians against a variety of South American teams: Botafogo and Bahia discover paths in the preliminary stages By Carolina Costa
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Conmebol held the draw for the preliminary stages of Copa Libertadores 2026 in Luque, in Paraguai, defining the initial clashes for Botafogo and Bahia. The two Brazilian clubs enter directly into the second phase, where they need to overcome opponents to advance to the third stage and compete for a place in the group stage. The event took place at 12pm (Brasília time), with live broadcast on the entity’s official channels.
Botafogo will face a representative from Bolívia in the second phase, deciding the return game at home due to their position in the rankings. Já o Bahia will duel against O’Higgins, from Chile, also in charge in the return match. Esses clashes highlight the competitiveness of the preliminaries, with teams from different countries seeking to qualify.
The second phase games are scheduled for February 2026, in a round-trip format. The winners advance to the third phase, where the bracket has already been pre-defined by the draw.
First phase of preliminaries
The competition begins with three clashes in the first phase, involving six lower-ranked teams. Esses duels classify three teams to join the second phase alongside the clubs already positioned.
- Representative of Bolívia versus Deportivo Táchira, of Venezuela.
- Juventud, from Uruguai, against Universidad Católica, from Equador.
- 2 of Mayo, of Paraguai, in front of Alianza Lima, of Peru.
The winners receive generic designations such as E1, E2 and E3 until the final definition. Essa stage eliminates three teams early, directing them to Copa Sul-Americana.
Second phase clashes
Eight brackets make up the second phase, with Botafogo and Bahia in pot 1, guaranteeing a command advantage in the return. The opponents come from pot 2 or those classified in the first phase.
The pairs include variations such as the winner of E2 against Guaraní, of Paraguai, and other similar crosses. Times on the right always decide at home, balancing forces according to the Conmebol ranking. Essa phase requires total focus, as an elimination transfers the club to Sul-Americana.
Third phase switching
The eight winners of the second phase compete for four places in the group stage in pre-established matches. The draw has already defined pairs as C1 against C8 and C2 against C7.
If Botafogo advances, he could face the winner of a bracket involving Argentinos Juniors. Para or Bahia, the path includes a possible duel against Tolima or Bolívia classifieds. Essa final stage of the preliminaries takes place in March, with decisive games.
Details of Brazilian clubs
Botafogo, well positioned in the ranking, seeks to repeat strong campaigns in continental competitions. The club decides home matches, an important factor in knockout stages.
Bahia returns to the preliminaries after qualifying in Brasileirão, facing O’Higgins as the first obstacle. The Bahian tricolor plans reinforcements to overcome the knockout stages. Ambos the teams avoid direct confrontation in the second phase, but may meet in the third depending on the results.
General structure of the competition
Nineteen teams compete for four places in the group stage of Libertadores 2026. The preliminary stages involve intense knockout stages, with penalties deciding ties on aggregate.
Those classified join 28 clubs already guaranteed directly, including Flamengo, Palmeiras and other Brazilians. The group stage starts in April, after a new draw in March. Essa configuration maintains the tradition of opportunities for smaller association clubs.
Preparation for the games
Clubs intensify logistical planning for travel and adaptations to different conditions. Fatores as altitude in games in Bolívia influence strategies.
The base dates follow the Conmebol calendar, coinciding with the start of national championships. Early Eliminações redirects teams to Sul-Americana, maintaining continental activity.
The draw brings clarity to the paths, allowing Botafogo and Bahia to focus on specific opponents. The competition promises fierce disputes from the initial stages.
