Andrés Matonte Appointed to Officiate Copa Sudamericana Final in Barranquilla

Conmebol has officially confirmed that Uruguayan referee Andrés Matonte will serve as the main official for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final. The championship match will feature Boca Juniors against Atlético Mineiro and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 21. The match will be held at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melöldez in Barranquilla, Colombia. The kickoff is set for 19:30 Argentina time, which corresponds to 17:30 Colombia time.

The Officiating Crew and VAR Setup

The officiating team for this high-stakes final includes several officials from Uruguay and Paraguay. Andrés Matonte will be assisted on the pitch by Nicolás Tarán and Andrés Nievas, both from Uruguay. The fourth official for the match will be Juan Benítez from Paraguay, while Milciades Saldívar from Paraguay will serve as the fifth official.

To ensure accuracy during the match, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) crew has also been assigned. This group includes Antonio García from Uruguay, Ulises Mereles from Paraguay, Agustín Berisso from Uruguay, and Leodán González from Uruguay. This comprehensive crew is tasked with managing one of the most significant club matches in the South American football calendar.

Background of Andrés Matonte

The 38-year-old Andrés Matonte, who was born in Montevideo in 1988, brings significant experience to the final. According to one source, Matonte is a physical education teacher outside of his professional refereeing career. His career includes officiating at the highest levels of international football, having worked during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

Matonte has extensive experience in international club finals, having previously officiated the 2023 Recopa Sudamericana and the 2021 Copa Sudamericana final. His history with the competing teams is notable, particularly regarding Boca Juniors. He has officiated nine international matches involving Boca Juniors, resulting in five victories, three draws, and a disputed number of defeats. While one outlet reports that Boca Juniors has suffered one defeat under his officiating, other reports suggest the number of defeats is two. His only previous match involving Atlético Mineiro was a 2-0 victory for the Brazilian side against Alianza Lima during the 2023 Copa Libertadores.

Match Logistics and Venue

The selection of the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melöldez in Barranquilla follows the standard Conmebol practice of holding tournament finals at neutral venues. This ensures a fair environment for both the Argentine and Brazilian clubs. Fans and residents in the region should prepare for a significant international sporting event on November 21, as the match is scheduled to begin in the evening according to Argentine time standards.

Glossary

• Copa Sudamericana — The Copa Sudamericana is a football competition organized by CONMEBOL. It is one of the significant club matches in the South American football calendar.
• Boca Juniors — Boca Juniors is an Argentine football club. The club has been involved in various international matches and has had various officials associated with its history.
• VAR — VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. It is a crew tasked with ensuring accuracy during a football match.
• Montevideo — Montevideo is a city. It has been a location where enemies of Rosas gathered and was subject to a siege.