"Consolation prize": Vasco likely in new tournament if not in Sula | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama is eagerly hoping to secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana in the final round of the Brasileirão, but the 2026 calendar may hold a surprise if that goal isn’t achieved. The CBF has created the Copa Sul-Sudeste, a brand new tournament aimed at clubs that will not be participating in continental competitions next season.

+ Understand the curious scenario that could put Vasco in the Sudamericana even if they lose: “Extra spot”

How the new Cup works

The competition will bring together teams from six states: Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. Each federation will have two representatives, determined by their performance in the state championships.

In the case of Rio de Janeiro, the logic points to the Gigante da Colina. Since Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo are likely to secure spots in the Libertadores or Sudamericana, Vasco would be next in line to inherit the regional cup spot, should they fail to qualify for an international competition via the Brasileirão or the Copa do Brasil.

Optional tournament with no defined prize money

The tournament is scheduled to take place between March 25 and June 7, 2026. An important detail is that participation is optional: clubs can decline the invitation without facing any penalties from the highest authority in Brazilian football.

The big mystery, for now, is financial. The CBF has not yet announced the prize money, TV rights, or bonuses. Without knowing if the tournament will be profitable, Vasco’s management will have to consider whether it’s worth filling the calendar with a secondary competition.

Vasco may be left without an international competition in 2026 – Photo: André Durão

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