Team will compete in the Copa Sudamericana next season
will not play in the 2026 Copa Libertadores da América. The team led by failed to qualify for the tournament. After eleven consecutive appearances, River Plate will be absent from the Libertadores. The team will compete in the Copa Sudamericana next season. To reach the Libertadores, River Plate depended on their rival. Gallardo’s team was rooting for Boca to win the Clausura Tournament title in Argentina. However, the Xeneize team was eliminated in the semi-final of the competition against , losing 1-0 on Sunday (7).
Fourth placed in the national rankings in Argentina, River Plate needed the Clausura title to go to Rosario Central, Boca Juniors or Argentinos Juniors. Racing is in the decision. The other semi-final will be played between Gimnasia La Plata and Estudiantes. Argentina already has six clubs guaranteed in next year’s Libertadores: Lanús (South American champion), Platense (Apertura champion), Independiente Rivadavia (Argentine Cup champion), Rosario Central, Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors (for the general classification). The last place goes to the winner of the Clausura Tournament.
In addition to River Plate, the Argentine teams that will be in the 2026 South American Championship are: Deportivo Riesta, San Lorenzo, Tigre, Barracas Central and Racing. The latter can still go to the Libertadores, leaving the place in the Sudamericana for Independiente.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
