On Thursday, the group stage draw for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana was held, highlighting River Plate's return to this competition after 11 consecutive years in the Copa Libertadores. They will be competing in Group H alongside Red Bull Bragantino, Blooming, and Carabobo, which, on the surface, seems manageable despite River's recent struggles against seemingly weaker opponents. Fans are relieved to avoid difficult altitude games in places like La Paz, which can physically challenge players due to the elevation.

River's group includes Blooming, based in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which sits a bit over 400 meters above sea level, making it less daunting compared to other Bolivian cities. Meanwhile, Carabobo's home in Valencia, Venezuela, presents another long trip but remains at a more manageable altitude level, meaning it should not heavily impact the players’ stamina and performance levels. The draw reflects the varied challenges that teams like River and Racing will face as they prepare for the tournament.

The competition is expected to be intense, as San Lorenzo is set to face Santos, a team led by Brazilian superstar Neymar. The dynamics of travel and the strength of opposing teams will be critical for success in the tournament, and teams will need to strategize carefully to overcome the logistical and physical challenges of competing in the Copa Sudamericana.