No Colombian club reached either final, but can its players still bring home silverware?
Palmeiras, featuring Jhon Arias, has locked in a Libertadores spot, while Flamengo and Estudiantes, both boasting Colombian talent, clash Thursday, Oct 22 for the other berth.
In the Sudamericana, Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro will meet in Barranquilla, each fielding Colombian stars, guaranteeing local representation.
Jhon Arias is already headed to the Libertadores final.
Palmeiras earned its Libertadores final berth by ousting Fluminense in the semis, prevailing after a penalty‑shootout.
Arias joined the Brazilian side after a successful stint at Fluminense and a brief spell in England, now eyeing another continental final.
The opponent will emerge from Flamengo vs. Estudiantes, a tie still undecided. Flamengo relies on Jorge Carrascal; Estudiantes counts on Edwuin Cetré and Miguel Monsalve.
The Libertadores showdown is set for Nov 28 at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.
Carrascal, Cetré and Monsalve also harbor Libertadores dreams.
The Flamengo‑Estudiantes series carries extra weight for Colombian football, as three of its players still dream of a title match.
Carrascal will try to lift the trophy with defending champions Flamengo, while Cetré and Monsalve aim to strike for historic Estudiantes.
The second leg takes place Thursday, Oct 22 at the Maracanã after a goalless first leg; the winner will face Palmeiras, ensuring a Colombian presence in the final.
Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro will clash for the Sudamericana crown.
The Sudamericana final pits Boca Juniors against Atlético Mineiro on Nov 21 in Barranquilla’s Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez.
Boca’s Argentine squad includes Álvaro Montero and Sebastián Villa, who advanced by eliminating Vasco da Gama and eye a title they won in 2004 and 2005.
Atlético Mineiro features Kevin Castaño and Mateo Cassierra, having beaten Montevideo City Torque to claim the other slot.
How many of these four could become continental champions in 2026?
For my money, Arias gives Palmeiras the edge, while Carrascal, Cetré and Monsalve still have a fighting chance for the remaining spot.
In the Sudamericana, Montero and Villa will defend Boca’s colors, whereas Castaño and Cassierra chase glory with Atlético.
Altogether, eight Colombians are linked to the clubs contesting the finals or still battling for a place.
The calendar marks Nov 21 for the Sudamericana in Barranquilla and Nov 28 for the Libertadores in Montevideo.