Copa Sudamericana 2026 semifinals set with historic surprises

The Copa Sudamericana 2026 semifinals are set, featuring a mix of traditional powerhouses and a historic first-time qualifier. Boca Juniors, the tournament's most decorated club with titles in 2004 and 2005, will face Vasco da Gama, while Atlético Mineiro, last year's runner-up, takes on the surprise package Montevideo City Torque. The final will be played on November 21 at the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia Source: elcolombiano.

The semifinal matchups

• Boca Juniors vs. Vasco da Gama: Boca eliminated São Paulo after a 1-1 draw in the second leg (1-0 aggregate win), while Vasco defeated Santa Fe 2-0 in Rio de Janeiro to reach its first international semifinal since 2011 Source: elcolombiano. The first leg will be at La Bombonera on October 13, with the return on October 20 in Rio Source: infobae.
• Atlético Mineiro vs. Montevideo City Torque: Mineiro staged a dramatic comeback against Santos, winning 4-2 in regulation and 3-1 on penalties after trailing 2-0 from the first leg. Goalkeeper Gabriel Delfim saved three penalties Source: infobae. Montevideo City Torque, a club belonging to the City Group, advanced by thrashing Cienciano 3-0, marking its first-ever semifinal appearance in an international competition Source: elcolombiano. The first leg is on October 14 in Belo Horizonte, with the return on October 21 in Montevideo Source: infobae.

The broader context

Brazilian clubs have dominated South American football in recent years, but the Sudamericana semifinals offer a chance for diversity. Boca Juniors is the only non-Brazilian semifinalist in the Libertadores, where Estudiantes faces Flamengo Source: cnn. In the Sudamericana, Argentina and Brazil have won 16 of 24 titles, with Argentina leading with 11 Source: cnn. Montevideo City Torque's run is seen as a romantic story, challenging the financial power of the Brazilian clubs Source: cnn.