South American Switchgear 2026 defined; see pots and restrictions for the seven Brazilians

This week, Conmebol finalized the complete list of 32 clubs that will compete in the group stage of Copa Sul-Americana 2026. The definition occurred after the elimination of Juventud, Uruguai, for Independiente Medellín in the third phase of Libertadores. With this, the second-level continental tournament of América of Sul now has all participants confirmed and is moving on to the key draw stage.

The draw is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at 8pm (Brasília time), at the Conmebol headquarters in Luque, at Paraguai. The ceremony will simultaneously define the groups of Sul-Americana and Libertadores, following the same transmission format and organizational structure. The seven Brazilian representatives enter the competition with a different status, as four of them occupy pot 1, which guarantees an advantage in the initial seeding.

Atlético-MG, São Paulo, Grêmio and Santos lead the Brasil seed list. Esses clubs benefit from the Conmebol performance ranking, which considers recent results in continental competitions. Red Bull Bragantino and

Complete switching pots

Pot 1 brings together the eight clubs with the best position in the continental ranking. Além of the four Brazilians, the group includes River Plate and Racing, from Argentina, Olimpia, from Paraguai, and América from Esses teams cannot face each other in the group stage and serve as top seeds in each of the eight groups.

Pot 2 brings a mix of traditional clubs and teams on the rise. San Lorenzo, from Argentina, shares space with Red Bull Bragantino and Vasco, both from Brasil. Completam the list Palestino, from Chile, Millonarios, from Colômbia, Caracas, from The presence of two Brazilians in this pot reinforces the national strength in the competition.

In pot 3 are teams from several South American federations. Audax Italiano and Palestino represent Chile, while Blooming and Independiente Petrolero come from Bolívia. Boston River and Montevideo City Torque are the Uruguayans, Deportivo Cuenca and Macará arrive from Equador, and Academia Puerto Cabello is the representative of Esse pot usually brings surprises and balanced confrontations.

Pot 4 closes the composition with Alianza Atlético, from Peru, Barracas Central and Deportivo Riestra, from Argentina, Chile, and Juventud from Las Piedras, from Uruguai. Times of this pot face greater difficulty in advancing, but they have already been at odds in previous editions.

Detailed switching rules

Conmebol maintains strict rules to avoid switching imbalances. Clubes from the same country cannot fall into the same group, regardless of the pot of origin. Essa determination applies to all participants and prevents, for example, two Brazilian teams from facing each other in the group stage.

Unlike what happens in Libertadores, there is no exception for teams from pot 4. Botafogo, being in this pot, runs a greater risk of catching opponents from pot 1, including the Brazilians themselves from pot 1. The restriction was confirmed by the entity after correction of initial information released on Thursday.

The Conmebol ranking serves as the main basis for dividing the pots. Ele takes into account performance over the last four years in Libertadores and Sul-Americana, with different weights for each competition. Times eliminated in the third phase of Libertadores 2026 were automatically sent to pot 4.

Detailed calendar of Sul-Americana 2026

The group stage begins between April 7th and 9th, with the first round. The following matches take place on April 14th to 16th (second round), April 28th to 30th (third), May 5th to 7th (fourth), May 19th to 21st (fifth) and May 26th to 28th (sixth and final round of the initial stage).

The playoffs, which define those classified for the round of 16, have first games between July 21st and 23rd and return games on July 28th and 30th. The round of 16 takes place on August 11th to 13th (outbound) and August 18th to 20th (return), maintaining the two-match format.

The quarterfinals are scheduled for September 8th to 10th (outbound) and September 15th to 17th (return). The semi-finals take place on October 13th and 14th (outbound) and October 20th and 21st (return). The single grand final is confirmed for November 21st, at a location yet to be defined by Conmebol.

Brazilian strength in continental competition

Brasil will have seven representatives in the group stage, the largest number among all South American federations. Atlético-MG, São Paulo,

Red Bull Bragantino and Vasco, in pot 2, come in as technically balanced options. Botafogo, in pot 4, needs to overcome stronger opponents to advance. The large presence reflects the good moment of Brazilian football in continental competitions in recent years.

Brazilian clubs have won the Sul-Americana in several recent editions, consolidating the country as a power in the dispute. The title guarantees a direct place in the group stage of the following year’s Libertadores, in addition to relevant financial prizes.

Lanús defends the title won

Lanús, from Argentina, enters the 2026 edition as current champion. The Argentine club lifted the trophy in the final of the previous season and is looking for its second title. The competition trophy was recently displayed at official Conmebol events, reinforcing the prestige of the tournament.

The Sul-Americana continues to attract attention for offering an alternative path to the Libertadores. Times with lower investment often surprise, while South American giants use the competition to rotate squads and seek continental trophies.

The draw on March 19th will define the path for all participants. With the pots closed and the rules clear, expectations are growing among fans and clubs to learn about the groups and the first clashes of the season.