Brasileirão 2026 guide: Flamengo favourites, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro lead chasing pack | OneFootball

Flamengo top a 2026 Brasileirão assessment on 52 points, with Palmeiras on 49 and Cruzeiro on 45, setting out favourites, possible surprises and relegation risks. According to Globo.com, the champions kept their core and remain the side to beat.

Filipe Luís renewed and Flamengo added Vitão and goalkeeper Andrew, with Paquetá expected next. Arrascaeta and Jorginho remain central as the club targets trophies on multiple fronts. Palmeiras, runners-up in the past two seasons, pursue a 13th crown under Abel Ferreira.

Palmeiras retained Vitor Roque and Flaco López after 45 goals in 2025, and brought in Marlon Freitas. Cruzeiro kept starters, appointed Tite, renewed Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge and landed Gerson in a record deal after finishing third and reaching a Copa do Brasil semi-final.

Potential surprisers include Atlético-MG, rebuilding under Jorge Sampaoli with Preciado, Renan Lodi, Minda and Cassierra after a morale-boosting clássico win. Bahia seek another step under Rogério Ceni, keeping Everton Ribeiro, Jean Lucas and Luciano Juba and adding Román Gómez and Kike Olivera after a perfect under-20-led start.

Corinthians, now clear of transfer bans, kept Dorival Júnior and added Gabriel Paulista, Matheus Pereira, Kaio César and Milans, backing Yuri Alberto and Memphis. Fluminense retain their core under Luis Zubeldía, add Jemmes, Guilherme Arana and Savarino and seek a centre forward. Grêmio, Botafogo and Bragantino are in the chasing pack, while Athletico-PR, Vitória, Coritiba, Remo and Chapecoense are rated at risk.

Source: Globo.com