La Copa Libertadores Femenina is just around the corner this October. Can you feel the buzz?
Colombia faces a tight schedule as the tournament launches Thursday, Oct 15, and wraps up Saturday, Oct 31, when a new South American champion will be crowned. Both Deportivo Cali and Independiente Santa Fe know the mission: topple the Brazilian giants.
Ecuador’s capital Quito will host the event, and Colombian fans hope past success translates into a historic run and another trophy for their league. The hopes rest on Cali and Santa Fe, a pattern that’s repeated in earlier editions.
Will Colombian clubs finally lift the trophy again in 2026?
Since Atlético Huila’s 2018 triumph over Brazil’s Santos, Colombian sides have consistently broken into the top four each year. Seven straight seasons of strong showings set high expectations for this campaign.
In 2019 América de Cali finished third, then runner‑up a year later. In my view, Santa Fe’s 2021 second place gave them the edge, and they’ve stayed on the podium alongside Deportivo Cali ever since.
Atlético Nacional grabbed third in the 2023 edition on home soil, while Santa Fe were runners‑up in 2024, losing to Corinthians, who also beat Deportivo Cali on penalties in 2025.
Eight years after Huila’s landmark win, the 2026 outlook hinges on whether Cali or Santa Fe can deliver a second Colombian title. Both squads must navigate a tough group stage, especially the cardenales.