Copa Libertadores 2026: The Final
A 58-Year Rematch for South America's Biggest Club Trophy
Palmeiras and Estudiantes de La Plata meet at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on November 28 to decide the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The two clubs faced each other in the very first Libertadores final that Estudiantes ever played, in 1968, and Estudiantes won. Fifty-eight years later, Palmeiras arrive as three-time champions looking for number four. Estudiantes return to a continental final for the first time since their last title in 2009. Both semi-finals on October 22 were decided on penalties. Palmeiras goalkeeper Carlos Miguel saved the decisive kick against Fluminense. Estudiantes goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saved two to eliminate Flamengo. Both matches were played at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on the same night. As of October 28, 2026.
Final
Saturday, November 28, 2026. Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay
Kickoff
To be confirmed by CONMEBOL (typically 20:00 or 21:00 local time)
Champion prize
$25 million USD (up $1M from 2025 edition)
Runner-up prize
Additional $7 million USD on top of earlier stage earnings
Format
Single match, extra time then penalties if level after 90 minutes
Previous meeting
Estudiantes beat Palmeiras to win the 1968 Copa Libertadores
Palmeiras: Three Finals in Six Years, and a Goalkeeper Who Saved the Run
Abel Ferreira has now taken Palmeiras to three Copa Libertadores finals in six seasons. He won in 2020 and 2021, both against Rio rivals. He lost the 2025 final to Flamengo in Lima. This year Palmeiras were Group F runners-up behind Cerro Porteno, then built through the knockouts until Carlos Miguel became the story: saving Fluminense's decisive penalty to send Palmeiras through. The key attacker is Jose Manuel "Flaco" Lopez, with 23 goals across all 2026 competitions. Jhon Arias leads the scoring specifically in Libertadores matches. Andreas Pereira runs the midfield. The defensive partnership of Gustavo Gomez and Murilo has been among the most consistent in the continent this season.
Estudiantes: Seventeen Years Since a Final, One Legend in the President's Box
Estudiantes last played a Copa Libertadores final in 2009. Their captain that year was Juan Sebastian Veron, who built his reputation at Lazio and Manchester United, then came home to La Plata. Veron is now club president and will be watching from Montevideo as his side chase the title he helped win. Coach Eduardo Berizzo guided Estudiantes through a group stage as second behind Flamengo, and then through four knockout rounds without conceding in open play in the final three. The semi-final against Flamengo in Rio was won entirely on penalties: Fernando Muslera, the veteran Uruguayan goalkeeper, saved two kicks and sent the Argentine press into complete delirium. This is Estudiantes' sixth Copa Libertadores final. Previous record: four wins, one loss. The loss came in 1971, by a single away goal.
Estudiantes Copa Libertadores titles
4 (1968, 1969, 1970, 2009)
Palmeiras Copa Libertadores titles
3 (1999, 2020, 2021)
Estudiantes finals record
Won 4, Lost 1 (to Nacional in 1971)
Palmeiras finals record
Won 3, Lost 2 (to Boca 2000, Flamengo 2025)
1968 final
Estudiantes beat Palmeiras over two legs to win their first title
2026 for Palmeiras
Revenge and a record-equalling fourth Libertadores
2026 for Estudiantes
Fifth title and first since the Veron era
The $33 Million Question: What Is at Stake Financially
The 2026 champion takes home $25 million USD in final-stage prize money, a $1 million increase on 2025. Adding group stage and knockout bonuses, the total for the winner reaches approximately $40 million. Estudiantes have already guaranteed $15.93 million by reaching this final. A win takes that to approximately $33.93 million. For Palmeiras, the financial stakes sit alongside a strong domestic season. For Estudiantes, a club from La Plata rather than Buenos Aires, this final is a financial event in its own right.
How to Watch the Final on November 28
CONMEBOL has not yet confirmed the kickoff time as of October 28. Broadcast listings will follow in the week before the match. In the United States, beIN Sports holds exclusive rights for the 2023 to 2026 cycle. The final airs on beIN Sports and beIN Sports en Espanol, available via Fubo, Sling TV (sports extra), or beIN Sports Connect at $9.99 per month. In the United Kingdom, Canal Goat, the YouTube channel with rights across 55 countries, streams all Libertadores matches live and free. In Argentina the match airs on Telefe and Fox Sports.
United States
beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Espanol (Fubo, Sling TV, beIN Connect)
United Kingdom
Canal Goat YouTube channel (free, live stream)
Argentina
Telefe and Fox Sports Argentina
Brazil
Broadcaster to be confirmed by CONMEBOL
Latin America streaming
Disney+ Premium (select markets)