Informação
The Copa Sudamericana begins with a first round consisting of 32 teams, from which the winners advance to the group stage. Teams from Brazil and Argentina qualify directly for the group stage. Combined with the winners of the first round and the 4 eliminated teams from the third round of the Copa Libertadores, a total of 32 teams compete in the group stage.
The group stage is divided into 8 groups of 4 teams each, playing a home-and-away round-robin format. The top team from each group qualifies directly for the round of 16, while the runners-up advance to the playoff round (round of 32). In the event of a tie on points, teams are ranked according to the following tie-breaking criteria:
1. Points in head-to-head matches
2. Goal difference in head-to-head matches
3. Goals scored in head-to-head matches
4. Total goal difference
5. Total goals scored
6. Fewer red cards received
7. Fewer yellow cards received
8. Drawing of lots
In addition to the group runners-up, the 8 third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores group stage will also enter the playoff round (round of 32) to determine the 8 winners who will advance to the round of 16. The round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals are played over two legs on a home-and-away basis. The final is held at a neutral venue as a single-match elimination to determine the champion.
