CBF Unveils Major Changes to Brazilian Football Calendar Starting in 2026
The CBF announces structural changes to Brazilian football's calendar starting in 2026, aiming for modernization and improved tournament structure.
- • State championships reduced from 16 to 11 dates.
- • Copa do Brasil may see new participation formats.
- • Campeonato Brasileiro starts in March and pauses for World Cup.
- • Changes align Brazilian football with international scheduling.
Key details
On October 1, 2025, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced sweeping changes to the football calendar that will take effect starting the 2026 season. This revamp aims to restructure domestic tournaments including the Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, and state championships, impacting club routines significantly.
Key changes include a reduction of state championships from 16 to just 11 match days, allowing for a more streamlined schedule. The Campeonato Brasileiro is set to start in March 2026 and will pause for more than a month during the World Cup, reflecting an alignment with international football standards. The competitions will kick off mid-January with state and regional cups, such as the Northeast Cup, before the Brasileirão runs from March to early December.
According to CBF news, future Copa do Brasil formats are under consideration, with bold potential changes that might limit participation for top Serie A clubs to only the later rounds and introduce single-match eliminations and neutral venues for finals, drawing inspiration from Conmebol tournaments. "The new format could enhance competitiveness and viewer engagement," said a CBF spokesperson during the announcement.
These modifications come as part of Samir Xaud's platform ahead of his anticipated presidency in the CBF. Xaud emphasizes calendar reforms as vital for the future of Brazilian football, aiming to improve the organization of matches and align local tournaments with the international calendar.
The CBF's announcement marks a substantial shift in the Brazilian football landscape, suggesting that the governing body is ready to modernize and adapt to current global practices, with a focus on enhancing the sporting experience for fans and participants alike. As these changes unfold, stakeholders will be eager to see how they influence both the competitive nature and commercialization of football in Brazil.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Timeline of changes
Source 82479 mentions changes starting in 2026, while Source 82493 states changes will affect the period between 2026 and 2029.
oglobo.globo.com
"The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will announce the 2026 football calendar on Wednesday, which will introduce significant changes affecting club routines."
cnnbrasil.com.br
"The Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) announced significant changes to the Brazilian football calendar for the period between 2026 and 2029 on Wednesday morning."
Why this matters: This discrepancy matters because it affects the understanding of the duration and scope of the changes being implemented by the CBF. Source 82479 implies a focus solely on 2026, whereas Source 82493 suggests a broader timeframe, which could indicate ongoing reforms rather than a one-time adjustment.