Brasileirão hit by major change in the rules | OneFootball

Brazilian Championship Series B sees change in the race for promotion

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced an important change in the regulations of the Series B of the Brasileirão this Thursday (05). Previously, the top four teams had direct spots in Series A, but starting in 2026, only the top two will secure their place in the elite.

However, the number of teams promoted in the Brasileirão has not been reduced. This is because a playoff has been created to add more excitement to the promotion battle. Thus, the third-placed team will face the sixth, and the fourth will take on the fifth, in a home-and-away format, with the higher-ranked team deciding at home. The winners will play in Series A.

The measure was approved at the CBF Technical Council, held in Rio de Janeiro. Of the 20 teams competing, 17 were in favor of the change. Only Sport, Náutico, and Fortaleza did not like the idea. The teams from Pernambuco hoped the old model would continue, while the team from Ceará wanted the playoffs only between the fourth and fifth, giving a direct spot to the third.

WHAT WAS THE OTHER CHANGE IN SERIES B?

In addition to the change in regulations, the Series B of the Brasileirão also had another change defined this Thursday (05). Previously, a break was scheduled during the World Cup, but now, the tournament will continue as usual during the World Cup, meeting the clubs' request.

Therefore, the Series B of the Brasileirão without breaks starts on March 21 and is expected to conclude on November 28. However, with the inclusion of the playoffs, the CBF still needs to decide whether to keep the same date for the competition's conclusion.

WHAT CHANGES FOR FLAMENGO?

For Flamengo, the change in Series B of the Brasileirão has little impact, as the Mengão has never been relegated. However, the Rubro-Negro will face in 2026 four teams that came up from the second division last year: Athletico-PR, Coritiba, Remo, and Chapecoense.

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