Corinthians wrap up Super Copa Gramado trials, eye LNF 2026 opener | OneFootball

Corinthians Futsal wrapped up its participation in the 2026 Super Copa Gramado with a quarterfinal elimination. On Tuesday, March 9, the team faced Atlântico in a match that summed up the squad’s current moment well: the ability to respond, but still with adjustments to make. Now, attention turns to March 28, when the black-and-white side opens its National Futsal League (LNF) campaign against Joinville, away from home.

The pre-season takeaway and the clash against Atlântico

The Super Copa Gramado worked exactly as planned: a gauge to test the new squad before the official start of the season. Corinthians arrived in Rio Grande do Sul after a major overhaul. Seven players left the squad, including club idol Deives, who retired. Marlon, the fixo who had been a regular presence for years, also left the club.

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To fill that gap, coach Fernando Malafaia brought in just two signings: Fabinho, a 37-year-old left-footed pivot who was Praia Clube’s top scorer in 2025 with 25 goals, and Kevin William, a 23-year-old left-footed winger from Ferroviária Pinda. Neither was a widely talked-about name, but both have already shown why they are here.

Against Atlântico, Corinthians started poorly. Dudu and Serginho scored for the team from Santa Catarina in the first half, leaving the black-and-white side behind. But the response came. Fabinho pulled one back, and Kevin equalized with just 39 seconds left, with the flying goalkeeper in play. In the penalty shootout, 18-year-old Nícolas hit the crossbar and sealed Corinthians’ elimination.

Expectations and the betting market

The strong competitiveness expected in the National League draws attention not only from the stands, but also from the sports prediction sector. In this context, futsal fans are already looking for materials that explain how betting sites work and what features they offer, while assessing the odds of the teams favored to win the 2026 title.

Pre-season performance directly influences these analyses. A team that responds well under pressure, as Corinthians showed against Atlântico, tends to be seen as more reliable in long-term betting.

Restructuring and new key players in the squad

Corinthians’ financial crisis forced the club to trim its wage bill. Futsal was one of the hardest-hit departments. But instead of giving up, Malafaia bet on the youth setup. Bancatelli, Igor Bredof, Lucas Morales and Nícolas Alves earned space in the senior squad.

Fabinho and Kevin may not be big names on the market, but their numbers demand respect. The pivot scored 25 goals in 2025 and has already been tested in pre-season. Kevin, younger, brings speed and technique. In friendlies against Carlos Barbosa (1-1), Praia Clube (2-4) and Vasco (3-1), the team kept adjusting the pieces.

Although the title did not come in the 2026 Super Copa Gramado, the competition was the final test before what really matters begins.

The weight of finishing runner-up and the chase for the trophy

Corinthians are two-time National League champions, with titles in 2016 and 2022. But 2025 was bitter. The team reached the final, drew the first match 3-3 against Jaraguá, but lost the decider 3-0 in the second meeting. And since the match was in December, that taste of defeat is still fresh in the squad.

In this context, the revamped squad carries the weight of one obligation: getting back to the top after four years. The fans, of course, will apply pressure and demand that the team make the investment count. Corinthians have history, structure and now a coach who knows the way.

2026 National League calendar and format

The National Futsal League will have different rules for 2026. It has gone from 24 to just 16 teams, with a single round-robin format in the first phase, and the top four advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Teams placed 5th through 12th will go to the playoffs. The bottom two will be relegated to LNF Silver (Brazil’s second division).

What was already highly competitive has now become even more so, and of course other experienced teams, such as Jaraguá, Carlos Barbosa and Magnus, will also fight for their place in the sun. Corinthians Futsal’s opener is on Saturday, March 28, against Joinville, at Centreventos Cau Hansen, in Santa Catarina.

It is not the ideal scenario to start with, but Corinthians already know this reality. Now it is time to play.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.