By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-09-23 07:51:48 | Updated at 2026-10-13 01:01:42
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World Cup — Semifinal dates set. CONMEBOL confirmed Fluminense face Palmeiras on 14 and 21 October with Estudiantes against Flamengo on 15 and 22 October.
Mexican table tightens. Toluca leads Liga MX Apertura with 19 points, just ahead of Chivas on 18 and América on 17 after the 20 September round.
Sudamericana semifinals set. Vasco da Gama meet Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro face Montevideo City Torque between 13 and 21 October.
Today’s headlines September 23, 2026
01
CONMEBOL confirms October dates for Libertadores final four
Football
South America’s biggest club prize now has a concrete path to the final in Montevideo. Fluminense welcome Palmeiras on 14 October, and the return is slated for 21 October at Nubank Parque in São Paulo.
Estudiantes de La Plata host Flamengo on 15 October, with the second leg on 22 October at the Maracanã. The final is set for 28 November in Montevideo.
In short — The Libertadores semifinals will be played between 14 and 22 October, with the final on 28 November in Montevideo.
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03
Toluca stay top of Liga MX as Chivas and América keep pace
Analysis
Toluca hold first place in the Apertura with 19 points after the 20 September round. Chivas are second on 18 points, while reigning champions América sit third with 17.
Cruz Azul remain in the playoff picture on 15 points. The next round begins on 25 September, when Toluca will try to protect a one-point cushion.
In short — Toluca lead Liga MX Apertura by one point over Chivas and two over América after nine rounds.
04
ATP Asian swing headlines Wednesday’s non-football card
Preview
The Laver Cup starts on 25 September at The O2 in London, not today. The ATP 250 tournaments in Chengdu and Hangzhou also continue the Asian swing.
Cycling’s road world championships in Montreal are also on the midweek programme.
In short — The ATP Asian swing and the road world championships in Montreal lead Wednesday’s non-football card.
05
Why the Libertadores semifinal schedule matters beyond the pitch
Feature
Fluminense and Palmeiras have been two of the most consistent Brazilian sides in recent continental campaigns. Palmeiras chase another crown, while Fluminense want to reward their historic fanbase.
Estudiantes against Flamengo is the only semifinal crossing a border. The two-legged format means away goals, travel and squad depth will decide who reaches the Montevideo showpiece.
In short — The Libertadores semifinals pair two Brazilian heavyweights and an Argentine-Brazilian clash for a place in the final.
06
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
When are the Copa Libertadores semifinals?
Fluminense play Palmeiras on 14 October in Rio and 21 October in São Paulo. Estudiantes face Flamengo on 15 October in La Plata and 22 October in Rio de Janeiro.
Who leads Liga MX Apertura?
Toluca top the table with 19 points, one ahead of Chivas and two clear of América. Cruz Azul have 15 points after nine rounds.
Who is
in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals? Vasco da Gama play Boca Juniors, and Atlético Mineiro play Montevideo City Torque. The legs run from 13 to 21 October, with the final on 21 November in Barranquilla.
In short — Libertadores semifinals run 14 to 22 October, Sudamericana semifinals 13 to 21 October, and Toluca lead Liga MX.
Sources: CONMEBOL Libertadores — confirmed semifinal dates, CONMEBOL Libertadores official site, 365Scores Liga MX Apertura table, CONMEBOL Sudamericana — Universidad de Chile team page, Prensa Latina weekly sports agenda
Updated: 2026-09-22T23:37:00-03:00 by Oliver Mason, Latin America sports correspondent.
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