Conmebol put an end to the speculation and defined the venues for the finals of the two most important tournaments in South America in 2026. Hours before Palmeiras and Flamengo are set to compete for the 2025 Copa Libertadores title, the organization decided to move forward with the planning. of next season and confirmed where the decisive matches will be played.

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The confederation opted for Montevideo, Uruguay, where the Estadio Centenario has once again gained ground and is emerging as the venue for the final match of the continent's most prestigious tournament. The choice aligns with the stadium's historical tradition, having already hosted 16 Libertadores finals and potentially adding another to its extensive list.

For several days, Boca Juniors' La Bombonera was among the options to host the 2026 Libertadores final. However, that scenario was ruled out.

A historic final and another unprecedented one

The possible selection of the Centenario would solidify its connection with the competition, in addition to representing the second time it has hosted a single-match final since the new format established by CONMEBOL. Meanwhile, several Argentine clubs are beginning to envision a potential trip to the Uruguayan capital. Boca Juniors, Rosario Central, Platense, Independiente Rivadavia, and Argentinos Juniors have already qualified, and the spot to be awarded to the Clausura Tournament champion is yet to be determined—a detail that could favor River Plate in the annual standings. In parallel, CONMEBOL confirmed another key venue: Barranquilla will host the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final. The match will be played at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Junior's home stadium and a venue with experience hosting World Cup Qualifiers. The selection was based on logistical criteria, such as hotel capacity, air connections, and its history as an international venue. Furthermore, it was announced that the 2027 edition of the tournament will have its final in Santa Cruz de la Sierra,Bolivia.

The confirmation from Barranquilla was immediately celebrated by local authorities. "Barranquilla, host of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final! It is with immense joy that we bring this final to our city. Thanks to Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL; to Ramon Jesurun, president of the Colombian Football Federation; and to the entire CONMEBOL committee," Mayor Alejandro Char expressed on X. The mayor shared a video of the meeting where the decision was made official. In that same meeting, Alejandro Dominguez highlighted that the CONMEBOL council decided “unanimously” to grant “the vote of confidence for the city of Barranquilla to host the single-match final” of the Sudamericana in 2026. The mayor added: “We know that from now on we are moving to Barranquilla and that it will be a success under his leadership, knowing the love that the people of Barranquilla and Colombia have for football (…) We are sure that the choice was the right one.”