Boca Juniors and River Plate prepare for 2026 pre‑season, focusing on fitness and a Flamengo friendly

Boca Juniors began its 2026 second‑half pre‑season under coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, emphasizing intensive physical training to curb injuries that plagued the first semester. The staff also placed three players—Williams Alarcón, Carlos Palacios and Ángel Romero—under close scrutiny to decide their roles for the upcoming campaign.

River Plate is arranging its own overseas preparation, confirming a friendly against Brazilian side Flamengo on 4 July in Portugal. The match will serve as a benchmark for the restructured squad after notable departures, with the club also considering the addition of Nicolás Otamendi as it seeks to regain competitiveness.