Conmebol defines dates and times for duels between Flamengo and Lanús for the Recopa Sul-Americana 2026

The Confederação Sul-Americana of The games are scheduled for February 19th and 26th, both at 9:30 pm, at Brasília time.

This decision marks the official start of the continental season for both teams, who are looking to add another international trophy to their galleries. The tournament is traditionally played in a round-trip format, crowning the best club on the continent in the previous season.

The first match will take place at Lanús, at Argentina, with the return game and the big decision scheduled for Rio of Janeiro. The definition of specific stadium locations still awaits official confirmation from the entity.

Game calendar

The duels are scheduled for consecutive Thursdays in February 2026, facilitating the organization of television broadcasts across the entire South American continent. The choice of unified times aims to maximize the audience and the scope of the decision.

The Recopa Sul-Americana follows the rules for adding goals in both games. In the event of a tie on the aggregate score, the dispute advances to extra time and, if necessary, to a penalty shootout. Flamengo will have the advantage of deciding the title in their field command.

The finalists’ journey

Flamengo secured their participation in the Recopa after a victorious campaign in the 2025 Libertadores, where they overcame Palmeiras in the grand final. Essa victory represented the fourth continental title in the history of the Rio club, consolidating its position among the South American giants.

On the other hand, Lanús secured their place by lifting the 2025 Copa Sul-Americana trophy. The Argentine team demonstrated great resilience throughout the secondary tournament, culminating in a dramatic victory over Atlético-MG in the penalty shootout. Ambos the clubs arrive motivated and on high for this opening challenge of the season.

Red-black experience

Flamengo participates in Recopa for the third time in its history. The club already won the title in 2020, by beating Independiente del Valle, and was runner-up in 2023, in a rematch against the same Ecuadorian team.

Ambition of the Argentine team

Lanús, in turn, is looking for its first trophy at Recopa. The Argentine team has competed in the competition only once previously, in 2014, when it was defeated by Atlético-MG.

Now, the team is trying to reverse this negative record in continental decisions, driven by the recent title of the Copa Sul-Americana. The opportunity to face a strong opponent like Flamengo increases the squad’s motivation.

Retrospect of the clashes

Flamengo and Lanús have faced each other on only two previous occasions, both in the group stage of the 2012 Libertadores. The first game, played in the Argentina, ended in a 1-1 draw, with the teams sharing the points.

In the return match, held at Rio of Janeiro, Flamengo achieved an impressive 3-0 victory.

Stadiums and expected atmosphere

Although Conmebol has not yet officially confirmed the exact locations of the matches, it is expected that the games will take place at each club’s main stadiums. Lanús traditionally plays its games at Estádio Ciudad of Lanús, known as La Fortaleza, famous for the intense pressure from its fans.

In Rio of Janeiro, Flamengo must use the iconic Maracanã for the decisive match. Este stage has already been the scene of countless red and black achievements in continental competitions, and the capacity and atmosphere of the stadium will certainly influence the performance of the hosts.

Developments for the season

The clubs begin the 2026 season with this important continental decision, which serves as a thermometer for the national and international challenges to come. Flamengo, after a successful campaign in 2025, remains focused on collecting more titles.

Lanús, reinforced by the recent title, is betting on maintaining its squad and continuing its work to challenge the Brazilian team’s favoritism. The break between the end of 2025 and February 2026 allows for essential tactical and physical adjustments.

This Recopa represents a valuable opportunity for both finalists to consolidate their positions on the South American football scene. The competition attracts the attention of fans across the continent, marking the return of major continental decisions.