Vasco hit World Cup break in relegation zone after prioritising Brasileiro | OneFootball

Vasco prioritised the Brasileiro in the first half of 2026 and head into the World Cup break in the relegation zone. A home defeat by Atlético-MG at São Januário on Sunday left them 17th.

According to Globo.com, the club began the year with Fernando Diniz following their Copa do Brasil defeat in December, but poor Carioca and league form led to his sacking amid fan criticism.

Renato Gaúcho took over with Vasco bottom and on one point after the fourth round. He opened with wins over Palmeiras, Fluminense and Grêmio, lifting them close to the Copa Libertadores preliminary places, but they have lost their last three league games.

Renato made the league the clear priority to fend off any relegation threat. Vasco used a reserve side in five of their six Copa Sudamericana games, a plan agreed with the board and football department.

Renato said his side have collected 19 of the 42 points available under him, which he called a very good return. He noted Vasco sit on 20 points, with three or four clubs on 21 and others on 22, and that ninth place is only three points ahead.

Elsewhere, Vasco beat Paysandu to reach the Copa do Brasil last 16 and finished second in Group G of the Sudamericana behind Olimpia. In 2026 they have played 35 matches, winning 12, drawing 11 and losing 12, with 47 scored and 43 conceded. The squad now has three weeks off and are due back on 21 June.

Source: Globo.com