South American football tournaments 2026 unveil new formats and champions

Defensores de Salto captured the Torneo 6 Ligas 2026 title in Argentina, overturning a first‑leg deficit to beat El Huracán de Rojas 2‑0. The Argentine Football Association announced a new semi‑professional competition, the Torneo Argentino del Interior, to begin in 2027 with at least 64 clubs and six promotion spots to Federal A.

The Organización del Fútbol del Interior released the quarter‑final pairings for its Copa Nacional de Clubes Divisional B, while Peru’s Copa Federación completed its July 11‑12 matchday across multiple age categories. The Portuguese Football Federation introduced a revised Campeonato de Portugal for 2026/27, adding a maintenance play‑off for the 11th‑ and 12th‑placed teams.

In Chile, O’Higgins advanced to the Copa de la Liga 2026 final after a 4‑2 penalty shoot‑out win over Ñublense, securing a Libertadores 2027 berth. Paraguay will host the CONMEBOL Evolución 2026 youth festival from 30 July to 8 August, featuring 30 teams across three age groups. Costa Rica’s Alajuelense debuted defender Yeison Molina in a narrow Supercopa loss, while Argentina’s Olavarría held a successful junior padel qualifier.

Argentina’s Adiur women’s side earned a place in the national Torneo Regional 2026, and Uruguay’s Copa AUF Uruguay returned with a revamped 40‑team format that offers a Copa Libertadores 2027 slot.