CONMEBOL Libertadores U20 2026/27

The CONMEBOL Libertadores Sub-20 operates as the continental youth counterpart to the senior Copa Libertadores, serving as a cross-border competition exclusively for under-20 players. Organized by CONMEBOL since 2011, the tournament functions independently of national league pyramids, focusing instead on player development and scouting rather than commercial prestige. The 2026 edition features a twelve-team field comprising youth champions from each of the ten member associations, the defending champions, and an additional side from the host nation. Participants are divided into three groups of four for a single round-robin stage. The group winners and the best runner-up progress to the semi-finals, where knockout matches are decided by single legs and penalty shootouts if the score remains level after ninety minutes. This centralized format contrasts with the traditional home-and-away structure of the senior competition, hosting the event over a short duration in a single location. Qualification is determined by performance in national youth championships, and the tournament allows any nationality of player provided they meet the age requirement. Flamengo holds the record for the most titles in the competition. The event was not staged between 2013 and 2015 and again in 2021, resuming under CONMEBOL’s direct organization after previously being run by Movistar. The official website for the competition is conmebol.com.