1996 Copa Libertadores group stage

The 1996 Copa Libertadores group stage or 1996 Copa Libertadores first stage was played from 13 March to 17 April 1996. A total of 20 teams competed in the group stage to decide 15 places in the final stages of the 1996 Copa Libertadores, where they joined defending champions Grêmio.

Groups composition
Same as previous editions, the 20 participating teams were divided into 5 groups of 4, which consisted of two teams from one national association and two teams from another. The draw of the tournament was held on 3 November 1995 in Asunción, Paraguay and the paired associations for this edition were as follows:


 * Group 1: and
 * Group 2: and
 * Group 3: and
 * Group 4: and
 * Group 5: and

Format
In the group stage, each group was played on a home-and-away round-robin basis. The teams were ranked according to the following criteria: 1. Points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss); 2. Goal difference; 3. Goals scored; 4. Away goals scored; 5. Drawing of lots.

As of this edition, the extra game that was played to define the positions between teams from the same national association in case of a tie in points was no longer held. Therefore, the above criteria were applied to all teams regardless of the national association to which they belong.

The winners, runners-up and third placed teams of each group advanced to the round of 16 of the final stages.