Corinthians miss out on 2026 Futsal Libertadores hosting, ruled out of tournament | OneFootball

According to Meu Timao, Corinthians were beaten by Carlos Barbosa in the race to host the 2026 Copa Libertadores de Futsal, meaning the Parque São Jorge club will not take part this season.

The bid was first sent to Conmebol in 2024 under then president Augusto Melo, with backing from Ednaldo Rodrigues, then head of the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol, to stage it at Ginásio Wlamir Marques. The club highlighted Parque São Jorge's facilities, São Paulo location, travel ease, hotel network and training sites.

After Melo's impeachment and Rodrigues' departure, Corinthians resubmitted. President Osmar Stabile did so with support from Samir Xaud, the new CBF chief, following talks before a Brazil match at Neo Química Arena in July 2025.

The push lost momentum when Stabile told the Conselho de Orientação that he was studying shutting the futsal project amid finances that had total debt near R$ 3 billion. Carlos Barbosa then gained the advantage and, with sponsor backing, confirmed hosting rights. The 2026 edition is expected to be held at Ginásio da ACBF in Rio Grande do Sul in May, with the hosts assured a place as the club marks its 50th anniversary.

As a result, Corinthians have no route into this edition. Under the current format, Brazil has only one guaranteed entrant, the Supercopa do Brasil winner.

The tournament brings together the winner and runner-up of the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futsal, both Copa do Brasil finalists, plus the holders of the Taça do Brasil and the Copa dos Campeões. Having skipped those events last year, Corinthians' only hope had been to qualify as hosts.

Even so, the club intends to bid for future editions once its futsal project is consolidated, with this season's squad set to be built largely around academy players. Fernando Malafaia's side return on 5 March against Carlos Barbosa at 20:00 at Ginásio do Perinão in their Supercopa Gramado opener.

Source: Meu Timao