Copa Sudamericana 2026 Group A Recap

Group A of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, as Estudiantes de La Plata stormed through the group stage unbeaten to secure first place and direct qualification to the Round of 16. The Argentine side finished with 16 points from six matches, scoring an incredible 25 goals while conceding just seven.

The battle for second place was far more competitive. Union Huaral managed to hold onto the playoff position with 10 points despite suffering two heavy defeats against Estudiantes. Their attacking style helped them edge past fellow Peruvian side Bolognesi, who finished third with six points after an inconsistent campaign. Under tournament rules, the group winner advances directly to the knockout stage while the runner-up enters the knockout round playoffs against teams dropping from the Copa Libertadores.

The final matchday confirmed Estudiantes’ supremacy. They closed the group with a convincing 4–2 victory over Bolognesi, while Union Huaral crushed Alto Peru 4–0 away from home to officially secure second place. Alto Peru endured a disastrous campaign, collecting only one win and conceding 25 goals across six matches.

One of the standout moments of the group came on Matchday 4, when Estudiantes demolished Union Huaral 5–1 in Argentina, a result that effectively established the hierarchy of the group. Bolognesi also showed flashes of quality with two victories over Alto Peru, but defensive struggles ultimately cost them a chance at qualification.

Final Group A Standings

1. Estudiantes (ARG) – 16 pts
2. Union Huaral (PER) – 10 pts
3. Bolognesi (PER) – 6 pts
4. Alto Peru (URU) – 3 pts

Estudiantes now enter the knockout rounds looking like one of the favorites to challenge for the Sudamericana crown, while Union Huaral takes second place.