Copa Libertadores Schedule 2026: Round Of 16 Dates, Bracket, And Knockout Stage Guide
The 2026 CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores has reached its most critical phase as the knockout stage gets underway this August. South America's top sixteen clubs are battling across two-legged ties for a place in the quarterfinals and a shot at continental glory.
Below is the official remaining match schedule for the 2026 Copa Libertadores tournament:
| Tournament Phase | First Leg Dates | Second Leg Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | August 11–13, 2026 | August 18–20, 2026 | Top 16 clubs battle in aggregate series |
| Quarterfinals | September 15–17, 2026 | September 22–24, 2026 | Last 8 teams compete for semi spot |
| Semifinals | October 20–22, 2026 | October 27–29, 2026 | Four teams remain for final berth |
| Final | November 21, 2026 | Single Match | Neutral venue single-game decider |
CONMEBOL Knockout Phase Dynamics and Tournament Path
The 2026 Copa Libertadores started with 47 teams competing across preliminary stages and an intense group phase during the first half of the year. The top two finishers from each of the eight groups secured their places in the Round of 16 draw, establishing the bracket that leads all the way to the final in November.
Unlike European club competitions, South American knockout ties rely heavily on home-field advantage in high-altitude or packed atmospheric stadiums. Under CONMEBOL regulations, group winners hold home-field advantage for the second leg in the Round of 16. Furthermore, the away-goals rule remains abolished, meaning ties ending equal on aggregate goals after 180 minutes head straight to a penalty shootout without extra time until the Final.
Match Times, Broadcasting, and How to Stream
For global viewers tracking the Copa Libertadores schedule, kick-off times are structured across two main prime-time kickoff slots designed for worldwide television audiences:
- Early Slot: 19:00 EDT / 20:00 BRT / 00:00 UTC
- Late Slot: 21:30 EDT / 21:30 BRT / 01:30 UTC
Match broadcasts vary by geographic region, offering full live coverage and English, Spanish, and Portuguese commentary options:
- United States: Live coverage via beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, and streaming on fuboTV.
- Latin America: Broadcast across ESPN, Disney+, and regional free-to-air networks.
- Brazil: Televised via TV Globo, ESPN Brazil, and streamed on Paramount+.
Supporters traveling to matches should verify local security protocols and stadium entry gates, which typically open three hours prior to kickoff for high-security knockout fixtures.
Copa Libertadores: hora y TV de los partidos de vuelta de los cuartos ...
What's Next: The Road to the 2026 Final
Winners emerging from August's Round of 16 ties will immediately turn their attention to the quarterfinal draw parameters already fixed in the master bracket. The quarterfinal ties will be played across back-to-back weeks in mid-September, followed by the Semifinals in late October.
The pinnacle of South American football, the 2026 Copa Libertadores Final, is set for Saturday, November 21, 2026. CONMEBOL will host the event as a single-match showpiece at a pre-selected neutral venue, guaranteeing a global audience and one of the highest-stakes club football matches of the year. Stay tuned to official club announcements and broadcaster schedules as kickoff times undergo final confirmation ahead of each fixture block.
