CBF drops 4 Carioca matches in new 2026 calendar | OneFootball

The highest authority in Brazilian football announced a series of changes that will take effect next year

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made a series of announcements and changes for the 2026 calendar. Among the main changes is in the state championships. Thus, the Campeonato Carioca will have four fewer games compared to 2025.

In summary, the 2026 state championships will take place from January 11 to March 8. Thus, the Carioca will have 11 scheduled matches in the calendar, that is, four fewer than in 2025.

Why the change?

It is worth remembering that Flamengo was one of those responsible for bringing the topic to discussion. Now, the CBF has made adjustments to free up dates for national competitions and also to 'streamline' the calendar of Brazilian clubs due to the long break because of the World Cup.

How was it in 2025?

In short, in the 2025 season, Flamengo played 15 games in the Campeonato Carioca, as it was a finalist – and champion – of the tournament. Furthermore, the Rio de Janeiro State Championship began for Fla on January 12 and ended on March 16.

What other relevant changes are there for 2026?

It is important to highlight that it is not only the Campeonato Carioca that will change in 2026. This is because the CBF confirmed that the Brasileirão, for example, will start on January 28. Normally, the national league started between the end of March and the beginning of April.

Additionally, the CBF confirmed that Brazilian football will start using semi-automatic offside from 2026. Among other relevant changes, the entity stated that the Copa do Brasil will be decided in a single match.

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