Flamengo face decisive week ahead of Libertadores clash with Cruzeiro

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·3 August 2026

Flamengo face decisive week ahead of Libertadores clash with Cruzeiro

Teams must submit their squad list to Conmebol by Friday (07)

Flamengo is getting closer to beginning its Libertadores Round of 16 campaign against Cruzeiro, with the first match set for August 12. With an eye on the clash, the Rubro-Negro is facing a decisive week.

That is because Flamengo has until 6 p.m. Brasília time this Friday (07) to send Conmebol the list of selected players for the Libertadores Round of 16. The competition rules also allow up to five player changes for this stage.

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Who should be left off Flamengo’s squad list?

Clubs can register up to 50 players for the Libertadores Round of 16. Present in the earlier stages, Ryan Roberto and Da Mata have left Flamengo and will be replaced by new names. In addition, Kaio Nóbrega and Alan Santos are in talks with other teams and, because of that, should be removed from the list.

Will Flamengo have new signings for the Libertadores?

Flamengo hopes to complete the signing of Thiago Almada, an attacking midfielder from Atlético de Madrid (Spain), in time to include the Argentine in the matches against Cruzeiro. In addition, the Rubro-Negro is targeting two more arrivals: a winger and a center forward.

However, since the transfer window remains open until September 11, Flamengo is in no rush to complete those two deals. It is worth noting that if the club cannot sign Thiago Almada, Luiz Henrique is the Rubro-Negro’s “Plan B.”

When are the matches between Flamengo and Cruzeiro?

The first meeting between the teams is scheduled for August 12 at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at Mineirão. Then, the second and decisive clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will take place on the 19th, at the same time, at Maracanã. In that way, the Rubro-Negro will have the support of the Nation as it seeks qualification.

What is the article author’s opinion on the subject?

Flamengo needs to strengthen the squad and register new players for the Libertadores Round of 16. The team seems not to have returned from the World Cup break yet and will not have an easy time in the duels with Cruzeiro. Although it has been ‘pushed aside’ by the club, the left-back position needs attention, in addition to midfield and attack,” said Davi Esteves, a journalist for Coluna do Fla.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Before thinking about Cruzeiro, however, Flamengo is focused on its next 2026 commitment. This Sunday (09), Leonardo Jardim’s team faces Vitória at 7:30 p.m. Brasília time at Maracanã, for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla brings all the details about Flamengo in the 2026 season. So stay tuned to the website, social media, and YouTube. In addition, SporTV (subscription channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match against Vitória.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.