The Copa Argentina 2026 has set its calendar start date and confirmed the first four matches of the tournament, which will be played between January 18 and 21, with Independiente Rivadavia as the star of the opening match in its capacity as the current champion. Less than two months after its 2025 victory, the country's most federal tournament will kick off again with the Mendoza-based Lepra opening the competition, a situation that repeats for the third consecutive year after the debuts led by Patronato in 2023 and Estudiantes de La Plata in 2024. The team coached by Alfredo Berti will face Estudiantes de Caseros on Sunday, January 18. That same day, the match between Lanús and Sarmiento de La Banda will also be played. The organization clarified that all matches are still awaiting official confirmation of venues and schedules.
