Fluminense Secures Spot in 2026 Copa Libertadores Round of 16 with 3-1 Win Over Deportivo La Guaira

Fluminense has guaranteed its place in the knockout stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores by defeating Deportivo La Guaira 3-1 at the Maracanã Stadium in their final group match. The victory was propelled by goals from Savarino, Hércules, and Canobbio. Savarino opened the scoring with a penalty in the 10th minute, followed by Hércules' goal in the 28th minute. Although Londoño quickly equalized for La Guaira just two minutes after Savarino's penalty, Fluminense regained control with Canobbio's stunning finish at the 66th minute to clinch the win. This triumph allowed Fluminense to finish second in Group C with 8 points. Meanwhile, Deportivo La Guaira ended at the bottom with 3 points.

Fluminense's progression was also aided by results elsewhere in the group, including Independiente Rivadavia's victory over Bolívar, which eliminated the latter from contention. Earlier in the group stage, Fluminense had kept their qualification hopes alive by winning 2-1 against Bolívar with goals from John Kennedy and Acosta.

Following this success, Fluminense now awaits the draw for the round of 16, scheduled for May 29 at Luque, Paraguay. They will be placed in pot 2, which includes teams finishing second in their groups. Their potential round of 16 opponents will come from pot 1, which consists of group winners like Flamengo, Coquimbo Unido, and Corinthians. Flamengo, having recorded the best group stage campaign, will be in pot 1 and will host all matches up to the final. The final composition of the pots will be confirmed after groups D and F conclude their matches.

In addition to their Copa Libertadores campaign, Fluminense’s immediate focus returns to domestic competition, with an upcoming match against Cruzeiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

This qualification marks a crucial achievement for Fluminense as they prepare for the challenges ahead in South America's elite club tournament.