AFA Confirms 2026 Apertura Round of 16 Schedule, Boca and River Face Tough Ties

The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) has officially released the fixture list for the crucial round of 16 in the 2026 Apertura tournament. This stage of the competition promises intense, high-stakes encounters as the contenders for the title begin to emerge. The schedule is set to ignite passion among fans as traditional rivals face off in do-or-die matches.

Fans can look forward to blockbuster clashes, including the highly anticipated duel between Boca Juniors and Huracán at the iconic La Bombonera, and a formidable encounter between River Plate and San Lorenzo at the Estadio Monumental. These single-leg ties are designed to maximize drama and ensure that only the strongest teams advance, intensifying the race for the championship.

The tournament's decisive phase kicks off on Saturday, May 9, with a local derby between Talleres and Belgrano. The action continues throughout the weekend, culminating on Sunday, May 10. The winners will then progress to the quarter-finals, scheduled for May 12 and 13, bringing the tournament ever closer to its thrilling conclusion. The format, featuring single-leg elimination matches, guarantees a spectacle of skill, determination, and perhaps a few upsets as teams battle for glory in one of Argentina's premier football competitions.