The Mineirão is preparing to host 60,000 fans for the highly anticipated first leg of the 2026 Libertadores Round of 16 between Cruzeiro and Flamengo.
The countdown to the first chapter of the Copa Libertadores da América Round of 16 has reached its peak. This Wednesday (12), at 9:30 PM (Brasilia time), Cruzeiro and Flamengo will begin their battle for a spot in the quarterfinals of the continental tournament on the iconic pitch of the Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte.
The stadium administration expects a full house. According to information released by Itatiaia, the attendance is projected to reach approximately 60,000 fans. Ticket prices for the visiting Flamengo supporters were set at R$ 100 (full) and R$ 50 (concession), while Cruzeiro fans were able to secure their seats with tickets starting at R$ 40.
Possibility of a new attendance record
There is a strong trend that this duel will surpass Cruzeiro’s highest attendance of the 2026 season, which was recorded during the victory against Boca Juniors (ARG) and drew 59,126 spectators. If the projection of 60,000 is confirmed, the match against Flamengo could set a new record for attendance at the Mineirão this year.
Officially, the stadium’s current capacity is approximately 61,927, a number that may fluctuate based on safety protocols and specific configurations for major events. The structure is divided between the Lower Stand (24,694 seats) and the Upper Stand (39,242 seats), sectioned into Purple, Red/Sicoob, Orange, and Yellow zones.
Decider at the Maracanã and full coverage
The high-stakes atmosphere continues into the following week. The second leg, scheduled for August 19 at the Maracanã, is already trending toward a sell-out. It is worth noting that in 2026, Flamengo’s largest crowd at the “Sacred Temple” was reached during the classic against Palmeiras, in the Brazilian Serie A, with an impressive mark of 71,205 fans in attendance.
The winner of this decisive encounter will advance to face whoever comes out on top between Tolima (COL) and Independiente del Valle (EQU) in the quarterfinals. As always, the M360 Team will follow every detail of both matches, providing the most complete coverage for the fans through the website, social media, and official YouTube channel.
