Universitario prepares for the 2026 Women’s Libertadores. Photo: Facebook Liga Femenina Apuesta Total. Ready to see them chase glory?
After clinching a semifinal spot in the Liga Femenina Clausura, Universitario de Deportes now sets its sights on making a splash at the 2026 Copa Libertadores Femenina this October.
With the continental tournament in mind, the club’s board swiftly booked two international friendlies, aiming to have the squad match‑ready for their Libertadores debut.
Universitario announced that the friendlies will be against Universidad de Chile on Tuesday, October 6, and Universidad Católica on Thursday, October 8, both away fixtures.
Show our bite! The Leonas are primed to face Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica in these prep matches ahead of the Libertadores
Let’s show our bite! 🦁💪 Our Leonas are ready to face Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica in these prep friendlies heading to the Libertadores. 🔥⚽️ #ConLasLeonasHastaElFinal pic.twitter.com/rSrAHEAaya — Fútbol Femenino de Universitario (@FutFemeninoU) October 4, 2026
The Leonas’ inaugural match in CONMEBOL’s women’s competition. If they keep this momentum, a knockout spot looks within reach.
Universitario’s Group B debut arrives on Thursday, October 15 against Palmeiras at 19:00 (00:00 GMT) in Estadio IDV. Three days later, on Sunday, October 18, they meet Independiente del Valle at the same venue and time.
The final group match pits them against Belgrano de Córdoba on Wednesday, October 21 at 19:00 (00:00 GMT), this time in Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, a game that could decide a knockout berth.
Group A features Brazil’s Corinthians, Chile’s Colo Colo, Venezuela’s Caracas FC and Colombia’s Santa Fe. Group B contains Peru’s Universitario, Brazil’s Palmeiras, Argentina’s Belgrano and Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle.
Group C comprises Brazil’s Cruzeiro, Ecuador’s LDU Quito, Bolivia’s Bolívar and Paraguay’s Olimpia. Group D rounds out with Colombia’s Deportivo Cali, Paraguay’s Libertad, Uruguay’s Nacional and Chile’s Universidad de Chile.
Fact: this marks Universitario’s sixth Libertadores appearance after trips in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2023, yet they’ve never progressed beyond the group stage. For my money, breaking that barrier should be their top priority.