Sudamericana 2025: Brazilian Clubs Ready for Sudamericana Challenge

The eagerly anticipated draw for the Sudamericana group stage took place on March 17, 2025, in Luque, Paraguay. Seven Brazilian powerhouses—Atlético-MG, Corinthians, Cruzeiro, Fluminense, Grêmio, Vasco, and Vitória—discovered their group-stage opponents as they set their sights on adding a sixth Sudamericana title to Brazil's footballing legacy.

The competition's format features eight groups of four teams. Each team plays a total of six matches—three at home and three on the road. Group winners automatically secure a spot in the Round of 16, while second-placed teams face a knockout playoff round.

In this stage, Sudamericana's runners-up battle third-placed sides from the Copa Libertadores group stage. The winners of these direct-elimination playoffs also progress to the Round of 16, which kicks off the traditional knockout rounds: quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.

Notably, all knockout phases are played over two legs, except for the grand finale, a single-match showdown scheduled for November 22, 2025, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

Group Lineup

• Group A: Independiente (ARG), Guaraní (PAR), Nacional Potosí (BOL), Boston River (URU)
• Group B: Defensa y Justicia (ARG), Universidad Católica (EQU), Cerro Largo (URU), Vitória (BRA)
• Group C: América de Cali (COL), Huracán (ARG), Racing (URU), Corinthians (BRA)

• Group D: Grêmio (BRA), Godoy Cruz (ARG), Sportivo Luqueño (PAR), Atlético Grau (PER)
• Group E: Cruzeiro (BRA), Palestino (CHI), Unión (ARG), Mushuc Runa (EQU)

• Group F: Fluminense (BRA), Unión Española (CHI), Once Caldas (COL), GV San José (BOL)
• Group G: Lanús (ARG), Vasco (BRA), Puerto Cabello (VEN), Melgar (PER)
• Group H: Atlético-MG (BRA), Caracas (VEN), Cienciano (PER), Deportes Iquique (CHI)

First match week

• Vitória vs. Universidad Católica - April 2, 8:30 PM
• Corinthians vs. Huracán - April 2, 6:00 PM
• Grêmio vs. Sportivo Luqueño - April 2, 8:30 PM
• Cruzeiro vs. Unión Santa Fe - April 1, 6:00 PM
• Fluminense vs. Once Caldas - April 1, 8:30 PM
• Vasco vs. Melgar - April 2, 6:00 PM
• Atlético-MG vs. Cienciano - April 1, 8:30 PM

Record Prize Pool Raises the Stakes

The president of Conmebol, Alejandro Domínguez, recently announced an increase in the prize money for this year’s champion. In an exciting development, the winning team will now take home $6.5 million—a $500,000 bump compared to last year’s payout.

The total prize fund allocated across competitions is a whopping $302 million, including the Libertadores. The Sul-Americana offers incremental rewards for each stage, which ensures consistent motivation for teams striving to reach the top.

Here's the breakdown for 2025:

• First Round: $225,000–$250,000 (depending on venue)
• Group Stage: $900,000, plus $115,000 per win
• Playoff Stage: $500,000
• Round of 16: $600,000
• Quarterfinals: $700,000
• Semifinals: $800,000
• Runner-up: $2 million
• Champion: $6.5 million

These figures not only boost competitiveness but also highlight the growing financial investment in football across South America. Teams have another reason to battle it out on the field with passion and skill.