Fewer matches, more drama: Copa do Brasil set for changes in 2026 | OneFootball

Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) seeks to streamline the Brazilian football calendar due to the World Cup

The 2025 season has barely ended, but the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is already considering possible changes to the 2026 calendar. Initially, the organization aims to reduce the number of matches.

According to a report by Estadão, the CBF intends to establish single-leg matches up to the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. Thus, only the final of the knockout tournament would feature home-and-away legs.

When does it become official?

In this hypothetical scenario, home advantage would be determined by a draw. However, the change is not yet official, since, according to Estadão, any modification is announced by the CBF by the end of October.

How does the competition currently work?

Currently, the competition offers millions of reais to participants and features home-and-away legs starting from the third round. Home advantage is drawn up to the final stage of the tournament, which awards R$ 77,175,000 to the winner.

Why does the CBF want to change?

The CBF is looking to reduce the number of match dates in some competitions because of the 2026 World Cup. As a result, there will be a mandatory break in Série A due to the World Cup, which takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How does the CBF affect Flamengo?

Faced with a congested calendar, Flamengo decided to ‘give up’ on the Copa do Brasil this year. After all, so far, the team has played 54 matches and could surpass 70 if it reaches the final of the Libertadores.

It is worth noting that Flamengo already has a guaranteed spot in the Copa do Brasil 2026, a tournament subject to changes. This is because the Most Beloved is the 2025 state champion after defeating Fluminense.

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