Copa do Brasil 2026 Quarterfinals Set to Feature New Offside Technology as Cruzeiro Pursues Historic Run
The Copa do Brasil 2026 quarterfinal draw is on August 11, introducing semi-automatic offside technology as Cruzeiro advances and Record negotiates broadcast rights.
- • CBF to hold Copa do Brasil quarterfinal draw on August 11 with matches on August 26 and September 3.
- • Semi-automatic offside technology to be used in quarterfinals, enhancing refereeing accuracy.
- • Corinthians eliminated in round of 16; Cruzeiro remains the only club with consecutive Copa do Brasil titles and advances to quarterfinals.
- • Record is negotiating to acquire Copa do Brasil broadcasting rights from 2027 to 2030, currently held by Globo.
Key details
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will conduct the draw for the Copa do Brasil 2026 quarterfinal matchups on August 11 at 11 AM in Rio de Janeiro. This decisive stage features eight clubs competing for one of Brazilian football's most prestigious titles, with matches scheduled for August 26 and September 3.
Significantly, this quarterfinal phase will be the first in the tournament to utilize semi-automatic offside technology. Introduced in Brazilian football on July 25 during the 20th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, the technology has already been successfully deployed in five instances, boasting an average decision time of 47 seconds. Neto Góes, CBF's arbitration director, described this as a "significant step" to enhance officiating standards during critical matches.
On the competitive front, Corinthians, the reigning champion, was eliminated in the round of 16 by Internacional despite winning the second leg 2-1; the aggregate loss ended their chance at consecutive titles. Cruzeiro, however, retains its unique status as the only club to have won the Copa do Brasil in back-to-back years (2017 and 2018) and leads as the tournament's most successful team with six titles. They advanced to the quarterfinals after eliminating Chapecoense and now await their next opponent following the forthcoming draw.
In the broadcasting arena, Record is seeking to acquire Copa do Brasil rights for the 2027-2030 cycle, potentially contributing to a billion reais revenue goal set by the CBF. Currently, Rede Globo holds exclusive rights, sublicensing some matches to Amazon Prime Video. Record has recently strengthened its football broadcasting portfolio by re-entering Campeonato Brasileiro coverage through a deal with Liga Forte União valid until 2029, paying up to 225 million reais annually.
These developments signal an exciting phase for the Copa do Brasil 2026, combining technological advancements on the field with dynamic changes in broadcast rights, as top clubs prepare for the high-stakes quarterfinal encounters.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
