Copa Sudamericana 2026 Group B Recap

Group B of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana quickly became one of the most entertaining groups of the tournament, with Sport Boys emerging as a surprise powerhouse. The Peruvian side dominated the competition from start to finish, ending the group stage unbeaten with 16 points, 24 goals scored, and only nine conceded. Their explosive attack made them one of the highest-scoring teams of the entire competition. Under the tournament format, group winners advance directly to the Round of 16 while runners-up move into the knockout playoffs.

Sport Boys set the tone immediately by defeating Atlético Grau 3–1 away from home on Matchday 1, and they never slowed down. Their biggest statement came in a brutal 6–1 demolition of Atlético Grau on Matchday 5, a result that effectively crushed any remaining hopes of a comeback in the standings. The Peruvians also completed the double over Newell’s with a combined score of 9–4.

The fight for second place stayed alive until the final week. Guayaquil City held off Atlético Grau to secure the playoff position with 10 points after a dramatic campaign that included a massive 4–2 away victory over Newell’s and a key 2–1 win against Atlético Grau on the final matchday. Despite their strong home performances, Atlético Grau’s defensive issues proved costly, especially against the relentless attack of Sport Boys.

For Newell’s Old Boys, the tournament turned into a nightmare. The Argentine club finished bottom of the group with only one point from six matches and conceded 19 goals. Their lone positive result came from a 2–2 draw with Guayaquil City, but they never recovered from consecutive defeats early in the campaign.

Final Group B Standings

1. Sport Boys (PER) – 16 pts
2. Guayaquil City (ECU) – 10 pts
3. Atlético Grau (PER) – 7 pts
4. Newell’s (ARG) – 1 pt

Sport Boys now head into the knockout stage carrying serious momentum and looking capable of making a deep run in the Sudamericana. Meanwhile, Guayaquil City prepare for a difficult playoff matchup against one of the top places of another group. The fun begins!