Corinthians seek repeat of last season on return from first 2026 FIFA break | OneFootball

Corinthians return to action this Wednesday (April 1), right after the end of the first FIFA international break of 2026. Last year, the black-and-white team’s performance after breaks for national team matches was positive.

Throughout 2025, the schedule included five stoppages for international commitments. In the matches played immediately after those breaks, Timão recorded two wins, two draws, and only one defeat.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

The first stoppage took place in March, during the World Cup Qualifiers. Upon returning, Corinthians drew 0-0 with Palmeiras and secured their 31st Paulista Championship title. The second break came in June, again because of the Qualifiers. Back on the pitch, they drew 1-1 with Grêmio in a match valid for the 12th round of the Brasileirão.

In September, there was another break, with European national teams playing qualifying matches and South American sides playing friendlies. After that period, Corinthians beat Athletico Paranaense 2-0 and advanced to the Copa do Brasil semifinals.

The penultimate FIFA international break took place in October. Upon returning, the team was beaten 3-1 by Santos in the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. Finally, after the December break, Timão responded with a 3-1 win over São Paulo in a clash valid for the 34th round of the national competition.

During this current FIFA international break, Corinthians had only two players called up: midfielder André Carrillo for the Peru national team and goalkeeper Hugo Souza, called up to represent Brazil. Forward Memphis Depay was initially included in the Netherlands squad, but was ultimately withdrawn after suffering a strain in the front muscle of his right thigh in the draw against Flamengo.

Now, Corinthians turn their attention to the Brazilian Championship. In the ninth round, the team faces Fluminense this Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. at the Maracanã, looking to end a run of seven matches without a win. Carrillo and Hugo Souza, due to their commitments with their national teams, will not be available for the clash in Rio de Janeiro.

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