By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-10-04 05:08:27 | Updated at 2026-10-04 06:08:46
3 hours ago
Argentina thrashed Burkina Faso. The national team won 7-0 on Saturday in a friendly at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, against a young visiting side.
Flamengo remain the team to catch in Brazil. With 60 points from 28 matches, the Rio club lead Palmeiras by three points in the Serie A title race.
The Copa Libertadores semi-finals are now firmly set. Fluminense face Palmeiras and Estudiantes meet Flamengo in October, giving Brazil three of the four semi-final spots.
Today’s headlines October 4, 2026
| Argentina vs Burkina Faso | Result | Argentina won 7-0 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on 3 October. |
| Brazil Serie A title race | Sunday | Flamengo hold a three-point lead over Palmeiras with 10 rounds remaining. |
| Copa Libertadores semi-finals | Preview | Fluminense host Palmeiras on 14 October before the return leg seven days later. |
| Copa Sudamericana semi-finals | Preview | Boca Juniors meet Vasco da Gama on 13 October in a classic continental tie. |
02
Flamengo hold three-point lead in Brazil Serie A title race
Analysis
Flamengo lead Brazil’s Serie A with 60 points from 28 matches. Palmeiras sit second on 57 points, keeping the pressure on the Rio giants.
Athletico-PR (49) and Fluminense (48) complete the top four. The gap between second and third suggests this is now a two-horse race.
Brazil’s Serie A is paused for the FIFA international window. Round 29 is scheduled for 7 and 8 October, with Flamengo away at Santos on 8 October.
Flamengo’s consistency has been the difference this season. With 10 rounds left, every dropped point from here could prove decisive.
In short — Flamengo lead Palmeiras by three points at the top of Brazil’s Serie A.
03
Libertadores semi-finals: Brazilian dominance on the line
Preview
The Copa Libertadores semi-finals are confirmed. Fluminense face Palmeiras on 14 and 21 October, while Estudiantes meet Flamengo on 15 and 22 October.
Three of the four semi-finalists are Brazilian clubs. That guarantees at least one Brazilian side in the final.
Fluminense and Flamengo are rivals from Rio de Janeiro. Both could meet in an all-Rio final if they win their respective ties.
Estudiantes are Argentina’s last hope in the competition. The La Plata club will try to stop a Brazilian clean sweep in the tournament.
In short — Fluminense-Palmeiras and Estudiantes-Flamengo are the Copa Libertadores semi-final matchups.
04
Boca Juniors face Vasco da Gama in Sudamericana semi-final
Preview
Boca Juniors will play Vasco da Gama in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. The first leg is set for 13 October, with the return on 20 October.
Boca eliminated São Paulo 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round. Vasco beat Independiente Santa Fe.
The first leg is at La Bombonera on 13 October. The return leg on 20 October is in Brazil, with the venue still to be confirmed.
The winner meets the survivor of Atlético Mineiro and Montevideo City Torque in the final.
In short — Boca Juniors and Vasco da Gama meet in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals on 13 and 20 October.
04
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
When do the Copa Libertadores semi-finals start?
The first legs are on 14 October for Fluminense-Palmeiras and 15 October for Estudiantes-Flamengo.
The return legs follow on 21 and 22 October respectively.
Who leads Brazil’s Serie A right now?
Flamengo lead with 60 points from 28 matches. Palmeiras are second with 57 points.
Athletico-PR (49) and Fluminense (48) sit further back in third and fourth.
When does Brazil’s Serie A resume?
The league is paused for the FIFA window. Round 29 is scheduled for 7 and 8 October.
Flamengo, the leaders, visit Santos at the Vila Belmiro on 8 October.
In short — Key questions cover Libertadores dates, Brazil’s title race, and when Brazil’s league resumes.
Sources: Conmebol Libertadores, ESPN Argentina, 365Scores Brazil Serie A, ESPN Colombia results, ESPN Mexico América calendar
Updated: 2026-10-03T23:06:00-03:00 by Oliver Mason, Latin America sports correspondent.
Related coverage: AU Urges Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to Show Restraint · Ethiopian Troops Retake Mekelle Airport From TPLF · St Vincent Fuel Surcharge Up 45% Since March.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
The Rio Times · Power Map
See who really holds power in Latin America
Click to open the Power Map →
