Peñarol and Montevideo City Torque kick off Copa AUF Uruguay 2026 at the Centenario

The Estadio Centenario opens its doors in the middle of the week for something that's far from just another match. Montevideo City Torque and Peñarol face off this Wednesday, August 26 at 8:15 PM (Uruguay and Argentina time) in the first phase of the Copa AUF Uruguay 2026, and right off the bat there's plenty to chew on: two of the squads in the best form right now going head to head under the tournament's new format.

The broadcast will be exclusive to South America through the Disney+ Premium plan, so anyone looking to follow it live already knows where to find it.

A marquee matchup

The fact that the group stage kicks off with this clash is no coincidence in terms of hype. Peñarol and City Torque arrive as two of the teams playing the best soccer domestically, and neither wants to start the cup by giving away points.

On the black and yellow side, the goal-scoring threat runs through Matías Arezo and the experience of Abel Hernández, without overlooking the talent of young Argentine Leonel Jaime, who has gradually worked his way into the names to watch in Peñarol's attack. On the other side, Montevideo City Torque leans on Salomón Rodríguez as its offensive reference point, backed by a trio in fine form: Obregón, Pizzichillo and Siles.

Are big names enough to win a cup match? Not always, but it helps to have options when the game tightens up late.

How they arrive at the Centenario

Recent form tells a different story for each side. Peñarol comes off a 0-0 draw against Deportivo Maldonado at the Domingo Burgueño Miguel, a result that left something to be desired in terms of build-up play. City Torque, on the other hand, arrives full of confidence after thrashing Wanderers 5-1 at the Estadio Charrúa, a rout that confirms the team's strong offensive stretch.

The most recent meeting between the two also carries weight. On February 7, in the Torneo Apertura, Peñarol came away with a 3-1 win, with goals from Arezo, an own goal by Gary Kagelmacher and another from Gastón Togni. That result won't decide what happens this Wednesday, but it helps set the tone for this rematch.

With all of that on the table, the Centenario hosts a match that promises more than just three points on the line: two styles, two different runs of form, and a cup that's just getting started.