Palmeiras hit the World Cup break flying, but challenges remain | OneFootball

Palmeiras end the first half of the season on a high, lifting the Paulista title against Novorizontino and leading the Brasileirão. They enter the World Cup break in one of their best spells of the year.

Abel Ferreira’s side hold a seven-point cushion over Flamengo. They have 41 points from 18 matches, Flamengo 34 with a game in hand, which already guarantees top spot at the end of the first round. According to Nosso Palestra, Paulinho is expected to play more than 45 minutes after the break as his fitness improves.

In the Copa do Brasil, Palmeiras are into the last 16 after a favourable draw and will face Fortaleza, who are struggling in Série B.

The Libertadores brought mixed feelings. Palmeiras advanced only as group runners-up and now meet Cerro Porteño. They failed to beat the Paraguayans in the groups, losing once and drawing once, though their wider record offers encouragement.

The route to a possible final appears accessible, with Fluminense and Mirassol among potential Brazilian opponents. Setbacks included that second-place finish and injuries to key figures Vitor Roque and Piquerez.

Brazilian football now pauses until 22 July because of the 2026 World Cup, staged from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Palmeiras are set to resume against Coritiba in round 19, with a base date of 22 or 23 July, before attention also turns to the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.

Source: Nosso Palestra