With 28 teams already qualified and four more set to drop from the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana 2025 has finalized its pots for the group stage draw. 

Colombia with Double Representation

The draw, scheduled for March 17 in Paraguay, will have América de Cali as a top seed, allowing them to avoid some of the strongest opponents in the group stage. Meanwhile, Once Caldas has been placed in Pot 3 and could face top-ranked clubs like Atlético Mineiro, Fluminense, or Grêmio.

The Pots and Possible Opponents

Pot 1 features clubs with a strong international presence, including Cruzeiro, Independiente, and Lanús, while Pot 2 includes teams such as Vasco da Gama, Huracán, and Unión Española. Once Caldas, being in Pot 3, may face a challenging group with experienced South American teams.

Tournament Format

The Copa Sudamericana will have 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The group winners will advance directly to the Round of 16, while the second-place finishers will enter a playoff against the third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores group stage.

The draw will play a crucial role in determining each team's path in this year's tournament. With both América de Cali and Once Caldas looking to capitalize on their positions, excitement is building ahead of the Copa Sudamericana 2025.