Chapecoense and Atlético Nacional formalized an agreement to hold a friendly game. The match is a posthumous tribute to the victims of the plane crash that occurred in 2016, which killed the Santa Catarina team delegation. The expectation is that the confrontation will take place on September 26, 2026, in Colombia, marking a decade since the tragedy on November 29.
The two clubs signed the contract that establishes the holding of this historic event. According to information gathered, the likely date for the dispute is September 26, 2026, with a location also in Colombia. The tenth anniversary of the tragic accident will be celebrated on November 29, 2026.
More on this story: Fatal crash of Colombian military aircraft kills 34 people and generates national mourning for victims
The most likely venue for the friendly is the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, home of Atlético Nacional. However, both the date and location may still undergo adjustments before final confirmation.
Discussions to organize the friendly began in April 2026. Initially, there was the possibility that the game would be held during the World Cup period, but this alternative did not materialize.
The Chapecoense air tragedy turns ten years old in November 2026
On November 29, 2016, the LaMia aircraft, carrying 77 people, crashed near Medellín airport, in Colombia. The chartered flight was taking the Chapecoense team to compete in the first Copa Sudamericana final against Atlético Nacional.
The crash was caused by a dry failure, preventing the plane from reaching the landing strip and resulting in the deaths of 71 people. The tragedy had global repercussions, plunging the world of football into unprecedented mourning, with tributes from big names such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The collective wake, held at Arena Condá, in Chapecó, was marked by intense emotion. The presence of FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, former Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol, and fans of several Brazilian clubs, who left rivalries aside, highlighted the magnitude of sadness and solidarity in front of the coffins displayed on the pitch.