Boca Juniors joins three other Argentine sides already locked into the 2027 Copa Libertadores after clinching the Annual Table title in the first of four qualification windows. The xeneize will compete in the continent’s premier tournament for a third straight year, hoping to finally reclaim the coveted trophy.
Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s squad amassed 63 points across Apertura and Clausura, recording 17 wins, 12 draws and just three losses, edging out Rosario Central (62) and Argentinos Juniors (60), both also qualifying via the same route. Boca now enters Phase 2 of the preliminary stage. In my view, the campaign showcases Boca’s dominance.
Belgrano de Córdoba became the first Argentine team to earn a slot as Apertura champion. The Clausura winner and the Copa Argentina champion will follow suit. Should Boca capture the Clausura, its Annual Table berth will drop to Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza, the top Copa Sudamericana qualifier.
If the Leandro Paredes‑led side lifts the Copa Sudamericana, beating Atlético Mineiro in the final, the Annual Table spot will also revert to Independiente Rivadavia. What if they seize both trophies? Two Annual berths would open, the second favoring Gimnasia La Plata, while a Copa Argentina run would benefit Platense as runner‑up.
This cascade also aids clubs eyeing Sudamericana places. Excluding Belgrano (‑10‑) already in Libertadores, Estudiantes (‑11‑) stands as the highest‑ranked team without any international qualification, provided they miss the 2026 Libertadores. Behind them sit Barracas Central and Defensa y Justicia, both potential beneficiaries in a scenario where up to two Annual slots could be freed, besides Boca’s.
Three more Argentine clubs have routes to the 2027 Libertadores. First, Estudiantes de La Plata, which finished 11th in the Annual Table and fell short in the Clausura knockout, could qualify by winning the 2026 final against Palmeiras in Montevideo on 28 November.
The remaining hopefuls are Platense and Banfield, mirroring Platense’s situation: absent from the Annual Table and no longer contesting the Clausura title. Both can secure a berth as Copa Argentina champions, with the Calamar reaching the final and the Taladro set for a semifinal versus Boca. Should Boca claim the title, Platense will hope Arruabarrena’s side also wins the Clausura or the Sudamericana to free a slot.