Conmebol sets date for Libertadores first round draw | OneFootball

Flamengo is the current Libertadores champion

The Conmebol has started planning for the Libertadores 2026 and has already announced the date for the preliminary phase draw. The ceremony will take place on December 18 (Thursday), at 12 PM (Brasília time), as announced by the entity.

On social media, Conmebol made a post drawing the attention of fans. The entity wrote: “Mark your calendar! Date and time for the Preliminary Phase draw of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026.”

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IS FLAMENGO PLAYING THE PRELIMINARY?

The preliminary phase occurs before the group stage, so Flamengo will not participate in this draw. Moreover, among the Brazilians already qualified, currently, only Botafogo and Bahia will compete in the pre-Libertadores in the current scenario.

However, there is a possibility for São Paulo to enter the preliminary phase. This will happen if Fluminense and Cruzeiro face each other in the final of the Copa do Brasil, thus opening another spot for the initial stage.

It is important to remember that Fluminense, Cruzeiro, Vasco, and Corinthians are competing in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. The finalists will be known next Sunday (14), keeping the competition wide open.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO START IN THE LIBERTADORES 2026?

Flamengo has already secured a direct spot in the group stage and will once again enter as a protagonist of the competition. The club secured the qualification by winning the Libertadores in 2025 against Palmeiras.

Moreover, even without the continental title, the Rubro-Negro would enter the competition for having also won the Brasileirão. Thus, the Most Beloved will be the seed of Group A.

HOW MANY TIMES HAS FLAMENGO WON THE LIBERTADORES?

The relationship between Flamengo and the Libertadores is marked by great achievements. The red-black club has lifted the trophy four times, starting in 1981, when they overcame Cobreloa (CHI) in a historic final.

Then, the Rubro-Negro returned to the top in 2019, with an epic comeback against River Plate (ARG). Next, they won the third championship in 2022, defeating Athletico-PR and reaffirming their strength on the continent.

Finally, in 2025, Flamengo beat Palmeiras and became the first Brazilian four-time champion of the Libertadores. Now, Mengão enters the 2026 edition aiming to further expand their trophy collection.

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