Flamengo faces Lanús this Thursday (19) in the first leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana 2026. The confrontation takes place at Estádio La Fortaleza, at Lanús, at Argentina, starting at 9:30 pm local time. The red and black team is looking for a second title in the continental tournament after winning the Libertadores 2025 over the Palmeiras. Lanús arrives as champion of Sul-Americana 2025 after beating Atlético-MG on penalties.
The Recopa Sul-Americana brings together the winners of the previous year’s Libertadores and Sul-Americana in a round-trip duel. Flamengo already lifted the trophy in 2020 and finished runner-up in 2023. The Argentine team is looking for an unprecedented title in the competition. Seis clubs from Argentina have already won Recopa previously.
Lanús maintained the base of the Sul-Americana champion squad. The club started 2026 with a good performance, but is going through a sequence of three games without a win. The team prioritizes Recopa to open the season with an international trophy.
Flamengo overcame an irregular start to the year. Após four matches without a win, the team won three consecutive victories and recovered in Campeonato Carioca. The objective is to win the first title of the season to consolidate the work of coach Filipe Luís.
Transmission and monitoring
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN on the closed channel and on Disney+ on streaming. ge follows the confrontation in real time with play-by-play updates. Fans can follow the main moments of the game directly on the platform.
Coverage includes statistics, confirmed lineups and analysis during the duel. Streaming access requires subscription to Disney+ Premium in some regions. The broadcast covers the entire South American continent.
Probable lineup for Lanús
Coach Mauricio Pellegrino commands Lanús with important absences. Center forward Rodrigo Castillo is out due to swelling in his left thigh and should be replaced by Walter Bou. Midfielder Marcelino Moreno has pain in the instep and is doubtful, with Franco Watson as a possible replacement.
The team maintains the strong defensive structure that marked the Sul-Americana campaign. Jogadores as well as Izquierdoz and Salvio lead the defense and midfield. The team is betting on solidity to contain the red-black attack.
Lanús has experience in recent continental decisions. Maintaining the 2025 holders reinforces competitiveness. The club is looking for an advantage in the first game to decide at home in the return game.
Embezzlement and options in Flamengo
Filipe Luís is missing from Jorginho, injured in his left thigh. Striker Plata is serving an additional suspension due to expulsion in the previous Libertadores. Saúl is recovering from a problem with his left ankle and Wallace Yan feels muscle pain.
On the far right, options include Paquetá, Carrascal, or Luiz Araújo. The choice influences the formation in midfield. Evertton Araújo can act as a second steering wheel if necessary.
The likely lineup for Flamengo is Rossi, Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Paquetá and Arrascaeta; Carrascal (or Luiz Araújo), Cebolinha and Pedro. The team arrives with confidence after a positive sequence of results.
Confrontation refereeing
The main referee is Alexis Herrera, from Venezuela. The assistants are Jorge Urrego and Lubin Torrealba, also Venezuelans. VAR is in charge of Carlos Orbe, Equador.
The refereeing team has experience in continental games. Conmebol defines the scale to ensure neutrality. The use of VAR is planned for decisive plays.
Context of the teams in the season
Flamengo maintained the champion base of Libertadores. The experienced squad seeks to repeat its success in international competitions. The beginning of the year brought tactical adjustments under Filipe Luís.
The Lanús preserves the group that surprised the Sul-Americana. The victory over Atlético-MG on penalties boosted the squad’s morale. The Argentine club values the Recopa as an opportunity for an unprecedented title.
The duel represents a confrontation between recent continental champions. Ambas the teams arrive motivated for the first official clash of the season at international level. The trip to Argentina defines part of the favoritism for the return trip to Maracanã.
