What Boca need to qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores? | OneFootball

After an inconsistent start to the semester, Boca found its way and, although it had some ups and downs, in such a tight group it managed to become the leader with 23 points. In addition, regarding the annual table, the victories against Barracas Central and Estudiantes placed them second behind Rosario Central and in a very good position to qualify directly for the 2026 Copa Libertadores, without the need to play the preliminary rounds, as happened in 2025.

Last Sunday, Boca defeated Estudiantes in La Plata with goals from Zeballos and Merentiel, who scored from the penalty spot in the last minute. In this way, Claudio Úbeda’s team now has 23 points and leads Zone A of the Torneo Clausura, while in the annual table they are second with 54 points, three more than River, who is third in that ranking.

What does Boca need to qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores?

With two matchdays remaining in the regular season, Boca only needs to earn points—a win or a draw—against River in next weekend’s Superclásico to qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Mathematically, two points would be enough, but Boca has such a wide goal difference over its pursuers that, virtually, earning just one more point would secure qualification.

It’s worth noting that Rosario Central leads the annual table with 65 points, followed by Boca with 56 (+25), River is third with 52 (+19), Argentinos Juniors are fourth with 51 (+18), and Deportivo Riestra is fifth with 51 (+14). Boca has two matches left: against River, on Sunday, November 9 at La Bombonera at 16:30, and against Tigre.

Return to the Libertadores after two years of absence

After playing in the final of the 2023 edition, Boca did not qualify for the 2024 tournament, and although they did qualify for 2025, they did not reach the group stage. At the start of this year, Boca began its journey in Phase 2 against Alianza Lima, but lost on penalties and did not make it to the group stage. This time, by earning just one more point, they would secure second place in the annual table and direct qualification to the group stage.

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