What the Copa Sudamericana is and how it differs from the Libertadores
August 21, 2026 · 6 min
In South America, the Copa Libertadores grabs almost all the attention, but it isn't the only major continental tournament. The Copa Sudamericana has its own prestige, its own unforgettable nights and a key place in the calendar. At Golazo Scores we tell you exactly what it is and how it relates to its bigger sibling.
What the Copa Sudamericana is
The CONMEBOL Sudamericana is the second most important club competition in South America, also organised by CONMEBOL. It has been played every year since 2002 and features teams from all ten of the continent's national associations.
It is often compared to the Europa League in European football: a tier below the top competition, but hugely valuable in its own right. Winning it is a continental title that many historic clubs display with pride.
The main difference from the Libertadores
The Copa Libertadores brings together the top finishers from each league: it is the elite. The Sudamericana, on the other hand, is designed for the next tier down, with teams that didn't secure a direct place in the Libertadores.
There is also a bridge between the two: teams that finish third in the Libertadores group stage aren't eliminated, but instead 'drop down' to the Sudamericana round of 16. That means a club can start out in one tournament and end up fighting for the other.
How it is played
The Sudamericana combines a group stage with two-legged knockout rounds. The teams dropping down from the Libertadores are then added to the mix, which raises the level in the latter stages.
As in the Libertadores, the final is a one-off match at a neutral venue, a format that turns the day into a genuine celebration for the fans of the finalist clubs.
What the champion wins
The winner of the Sudamericana doesn't just lift the trophy: they qualify for the next edition of the Copa Libertadores and play the Recopa Sudamericana against the Libertadores champions, a kind of continental Super Cup.
That is why the tournament is a genuine pathway for growth: a club can win the Sudamericana and, as a result, step up to the continent's top competition the following season.
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