Daily Football Updates: South America Edition

As the 2026 domestic seasons intensify and the Copa Libertadores preliminary rounds advance, the last day (February 16-17) delivered decisive results in state championships, league matches, and anticipation for continental action. With the FIFA World Cup year underway, here's a summary of key news across Argentina, Brazil, and other CONMEBOL nations, including match recaps and upcoming fixtures.

Argentina: Torneo Apertura 2026 – Riestra Holds Newell's in Midweek Clash

In the ongoing Torneo Apertura Mercado Libre 2026, Deportivo Riestra earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Newell's Old Boys on February 16 at Estadio Guillermo Laza. The result keeps both sides in the mix as the competition enters its sixth round. Tigre and Vélez Sarsfield continue to lead their respective zones after five matchdays, with Tigre boasting 13 points in Zone B on the back of four wins and strong goalscoring form.

The next round begins on February 19 with interzonal fixtures, including Argentinos Juniors vs. Barracas Central and Instituto vs. Unión. The format features two groups of 15 teams, with the top eight from each advancing to the knockout stage.

Lower divisions also saw action on February 16, with Primera Nacional and Primera B matches, including Gimnasia y Esgrima (Jujuy) defeating Midland 2-1.

Brazil: Carioca Quarter-Finals Decided as Fluminense Advances

State league drama dominated February 16 in the Campeonato Carioca. Fluminense secured their semi-final spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bangu at the Maracanã, thanks to goals from Savarino, Canobbio, and a Ganso penalty. The result sets up a blockbuster semi-final against Vasco da Gama.

In the relegation quadrangular, Nova Iguaçu fell 0-1 to Maricá. The Paulistão quarter-finals were confirmed for February 22, with no clásicos in the single-elimination draw and semi-automated offside technology debuting from this stage.

The Brasileirão Feminino Série A1 kicked off its first round on February 15-16, featuring wins for Santos (2-1 vs. Grêmio) and São Paulo (2-1 vs. Internacional). Meanwhile, the CBF released the U-20 Brasileirão schedule, with Round 1 commencing on February 20.

Copa Libertadores 2026: Second Stage First Legs Set for Today

The continental spotlight shifts to the second preliminary round, with first legs scheduled for February 17-19:

• Carabobo (VEN) vs. Huachipato (CHI) – February 17, 22:00 CET
• Liverpool (URU) vs. Independiente Medellín (COL) – February 18, 00:30 CET
• 2 de Mayo (PAR) vs. Sporting Cristal (PER) – February 18, 00:30 CET
• O'Higgins (CHI) vs. Bahia (BRA) – February 18

Recent first-stage outcomes included Deportivo Táchira's dramatic penalty shootout win (5-3 after 1-0 second-leg victory) over The Strongest, and 2 de Mayo's aggregate progress past Alianza Lima. Juventud advanced via penalties against Universidad Católica (Ecuador).

Second legs follow next week, with winners advancing to the third stage in early March.

Other Regional Highlights

• Neymar Jr. made his first official appearance of 2026 for Santos in the Paulista, coming off the bench in a 6-0 rout on February 15.
• Colombian side Millonarios confirmed Radamel Falcao's recovery timeline (15-20 days) after a minor muscle issue.

South American football maintains its early-season intensity, blending domestic rivalries with the buildup to the Libertadores proper. Expect full recaps from today's continental ties and further league updates in the coming days.