The Copa Sudamericana 2025, South America’s second-most prestigious club football tournament, is underway, promising another thrilling season of competition. Organized by CONMEBOL, the tournament kicked off its first stage on March 4, 2025, and is set to culminate with the final on November 22, 2025, at Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. With the group stage draw completed on March 17, 2025, in Luque, Paraguay, the 32 participating teams now know their opponents, setting the stage for an exciting battle for continental glory.
Tournament Format and Progress
The Copa Sudamericana 2025 features a revamped format that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. The competition began with a first stage (March 4–6), where 32 teams from smaller CONMEBOL associations (excluding Argentina and Brazil) faced off in single-leg ties. The 16 winners advanced to the group stage, joining 12 pre-qualified teams (six from Argentina and six from Brazil) and four teams transferred from the Copa Libertadores third-stage qualifying.
The group stage, running from April 1 to late May, consists of eight groups (A–H) with four teams each. Teams play a home-and-away round-robin format, with the group winners advancing directly to the round of 16. The runners-up will enter a knockout round playoff against eight third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores group stage, adding an extra layer of intensity. From there, the tournament progresses through a single-elimination format, culminating in the final.
As of March 19, 2025, the first stage has concluded, and the group stage matchups are set. Defending champions Racing (Argentina) won’t defend their title in this competition, having qualified for the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage, but the field remains stacked with talent and ambition.
Copa Sudamericana 2025 Groups
Here’s how the 32 teams are divided into the eight groups, based on the draw held on March 17, 2025. Note that some first-stage results are factored in, but specifics may evolve as CONMEBOL finalizes details. Below is the structure as understood from available data:
- Group A
- Defensa y Justicia (Argentina)
- Always Ready (Bolivia)
- Deportivo Pasto (Colombia)
- Universidad César Vallejo (Peru)
- Group B
- Cruzeiro (Brazil)
- Universidad Católica (Ecuador)
- Unión La Calera (Chile)
- Real Tomayapo (Bolivia)
- Group C
- Lanús (Argentina)
- Delfín (Ecuador)
- Metropolitanos (Venezuela)
- Deportivo Garcilaso (Peru)
- Group D
- Grêmio (Brazil)
- Godoy Cruz (Argentina)
- Sportivo Luqueño (Paraguay)
- Atlético Grau (Peru)
- Group E
- Atlético Mineiro (Brazil)
- Guaraní (Paraguay)
- Deportivo La Guaira (Venezuela)
- Carabobo (Venezuela)
- Group F
- Independiente (Argentina)
- Barcelona SC (Ecuador)
- Coquimbo Unido (Chile)
- Sportivo Ameliano (Paraguay)
- Group G
- Fluminense (Brazil)
- Alianza (Colombia)
- Juan Aurich (Peru)
- Magallanes (Chile)
- Group H
- América de Cali (Colombia)
- Nacional Potosí (Bolivia)
- Sport Huancayo (Peru)
- Tacuary (Paraguay)
Note: Some teams listed are placeholders based on first-stage winners, as exact outcomes may still be pending official confirmation from CONMEBOL at this early stage.
How the Tournament Is Shaping Up
The group stage promises fierce competition. Brazilian giants like Grêmio, Fluminense, Cruzeiro, and Atlético Mineiro bring their pedigree, while Argentine powerhouses Independiente, Lanús, and Defensa y Justicia add depth and rivalry. Teams from Colombia (América de Cali, Alianza), Ecuador (Universidad Católica, Barcelona SC), and Chile (Coquimbo Unido, Unión La Calera) are poised to challenge the traditional powerhouses, making this a wide-open contest.
Group D stands out with Grêmio facing a tricky Argentine side in Godoy Cruz, alongside Paraguay’s Sportivo Luqueño and Peru’s Atlético Grau. Group E, featuring Atlético Mineiro and two Venezuelan teams (Deportivo La Guaira and Carabobo), could see unexpected twists due to the unpredictability of the underdogs. Meanwhile, América de Cali in Group H will look to capitalize on their top-seed status against a mix of Bolivian, Peruvian, and Paraguayan opposition.
The absence of defending champions Racing shifts the spotlight to new contenders. Brazilian teams, with their depth and attacking flair, might have an edge, but the single-elimination knockout rounds historically favor resilience and tactical discipline—qualities Argentine and Colombian sides often bring in abundance.
Where to Watch Copa Sudamericana 2025 by Country
Broadcast rights vary by region, and here’s a breakdown of where fans can catch the action based on available information as of March 19, 2025:
- United States:
- Channels: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS XTRA
- Streaming: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Fanatiz, fuboTV
- Brazil:
- Channels: ESPN Brazil, SBT (open TV)
- Streaming: Disney+, Paramount+
- Argentina:
- Channels: ESPN Argentina
- Streaming: Disney+
- Colombia:
- Channels: ESPN Colombia
- Streaming: Disney+, Fanatiz
- Chile:
- Channels: ESPN Chile
- Streaming: Disney+
- Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela:
- Channels: ESPN (regional variants)
- Streaming: Disney+, Fanatiz (select matches)
- Mexico:
- Channels: ESPN Mexico
- Streaming: Disney+
- Central America:
- Channels: ESPN
- Streaming: Disney+
- United Kingdom:
- Streaming: Fanatiz (select matches, subject to availability)
- Note: No major TV broadcast confirmed; check local listings or streaming platforms.
- Spain:
- Channels: LaLiga+ (select matches)
- Streaming: Fanatiz
- Australia:
- Streaming: beIN SPORTS Australia, Fanatiz
- Worldwide (varies by region):
- Streaming: CONMEBOL’s official YouTube channel (select matches or highlights), Fanatiz (where available)
For the most accurate and up-to-date schedules, fans should check local listings or CONMEBOL’s official website, as broadcast agreements can shift. In the U.S., beIN SPORTS holds exclusive rights through 2026, while Disney+ and ESPN dominate Latin American coverage. Fanatiz offers a global streaming option for fans in regions without dedicated TV broadcasts.
Final Thoughts
The Copa Sudamericana 2025 is shaping up to be a rollercoaster of drama, skill, and surprises. With the group stage kicking off in April, fans can expect intense rivalries and breakout performances from both established clubs and ambitious underdogs. Whether you’re tuning in from Buenos Aires, São Paulo, or beyond, there’s a way to catch every goal, save, and celebration. Stay tuned as the tournament unfolds—this is South American football at its unpredictable best!
