CBF reveals 2026 Brazilian football calendar, key changes for Palmeiras

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Nosso Palestra

·1 October 2025

CBF reveals 2026 Brazilian football calendar, key changes for Palmeiras

The CBF announced this Wednesday (1st) the new calendar for Brazilian football, which will take effect starting from the 2026 season. The changes aim to reduce the number of games and provide better conditions for clubs like Palmeiras.

Main changes

Reduction in the number of dates for the Campeonato Paulista: The state tournaments will be limited to 11 dates, five less than the current format (16), and will take place between January 11 and March 8.
Modified Copa do Brasil: The first five phases will be held in a single match. The round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals will take place in a home-and-away format, with the final being played in a single match at a neutral venue. It will start on February 18, with the final scheduled for December 6. Serie A clubs will enter in the 5th phase, one before the round of 16. For first division teams, changes will result in a reduction of one to three dates.
Brazilian Championship at the beginning of the year: The national competition will start on January 28 and run until December 2, with the first rounds being played in parallel with the state championships.

A few weeks ago, Abel Ferreira highlighted some changes made by the CBF to the 2025 season calendar.

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– Congratulations. I have been here for five years and have often criticized the CBF because it was necessary to do what no one wants, to change what no one wants. Difficult decisions make life easy in the future. Congratulations for the difficult decision that will make not only Palmeiras' life better but Brazilian football better... not just for one or two clubs, but for all 20 clubs. A difficult decision that will make Brazilian football better now and in the future – he said.