Copa Libertadores 2026 Semifinals: Fluminense-Palmeiras and Estudiantes-Flamengo
After quarterfinals that saw both Brazilian giants survive scares from underdogs, the 2026 Copa Libertadores semifinals are set: Fluminense face Palmeiras in an all-Brazilian tie, while Estudiantes de La Plata host defending champions Flamengo. First legs kick off October 13, with the final scheduled for November 28 in Montevideo.
Fluminense vs Palmeiras: A Rematch of Contrasting Recent Finals
Fluminense enter as the reigning 2023 champions, the club's first-ever continental title after a 121-year wait, won by beating Boca Juniors 2-1 at their own Maracanã. They needed extra time and a comeback against Platense in the quarterfinals to get here.
Palmeiras arrive with more recent continental pedigree — 3 titles, including back-to-back final appearances in 2020 and 2021 (winning both), plus a spot in the 2025 final that they lost to Flamengo. They squeezed past LDU de Quito on penalties in the quarterfinals after a 3-2 aggregate deficit forced extra time.
Estudiantes de La Plata vs Flamengo: History Against the Reigning Champion
Estudiantes carry the weight of history into this tie — 4 titles, including the sport's first-ever three-peat (1968-1970) under the combative Osvaldo Zubeldía, and a 2009 triumph over Cruzeiro after a 39-year wait. They beat Corinthians in the quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw in Argentina and a narrow win in Brazil.
Flamengo arrive as the freshly-minted four-time champions after beating Palmeiras in the 2025 final, and eliminated fellow group-stage-era rival Independiente del Valle in the quarterfinals in a tie that finished level on aggregate before Flamengo advanced.
What's at Stake
A Fluminense win would put them one step from defending the title they won in 2023. A Palmeiras win would set up a shot at a fourth title and revenge for their 2025 final loss to Flamengo. For Estudiantes, reaching the final would mean a shot at a fifth title and a first since 2009; for Flamengo, back-to-back titles would put them within one of matching Boca Juniors for second on the all-time list.
Whichever two clubs come through will meet in the final on November 28 at a neutral venue in Montevideo — the same city, fittingly, where Peñarol lifted the first-ever Copa Libertadores in 1960.
Key Dates
First legs: October 13 (Fluminense vs Palmeiras; Estudiantes vs Flamengo). Second legs: October 20 (Palmeiras vs Fluminense; Flamengo vs Estudiantes). Final: November 28, Montevideo.