Copa do Brasil Introduces Semi-Automatic Offside Technology in Quarter-Finals

The Copa do Brasil will implement semi-automatic offside technology starting in the quarter-finals to enhance decision accuracy and fairness in matches.

    Key details

  • • Semi-automatic offside technology will be used starting at the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals.
  • • The technology was first used in Brazilian football on July 25, 2026, with an average decision time of 47 seconds.
  • • Six teams including Vasco and Cruzeiro have qualified for the quarter-finals; two spots remain to be decided.
  • • The quarter-final draw is scheduled for August 11, 2026, at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

The Copa do Brasil is set to enhance the accuracy and fairness of its matches by introducing semi-automatic offside technology starting from the quarter-finals stage, as confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). This advanced technology was first deployed in Brazilian football during the 20th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro on July 25, 2026, where it was used five times, with an average decision-making time of just 47 seconds.

Netto Góes, CBF's Director of Refereeing, emphasized the significance of this technological innovation, stating it will improve competition integrity by ensuring more precise and transparent officiating decisions.

Currently, six teams have secured their spots in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals: Vasco, Grêmio, Atletico-MG, Santos, Cruzeiro, and Palmeiras. Vasco punched their ticket after a solid 3-1 victory against Fluminense at the Maracanã Stadium on August 5, 2026. Brenner led the charge, scoring twice, while Puma Rodríguez added another goal. Fluminense was eliminated after a prior 0-0 first-leg draw. Meanwhile, Cruzeiro also bagged a quarter-final spot by defeating Chapecoense 2-0 at Mineirão, despite Chapecoense playing a man down after a red card; Matheuzinho and Kaio Jorge were the scorers.

The remaining two quarter-final spots are to be decided on August 6, 2026, with critical return legs between Vitória and Athletico-PR, and Corinthians hosting Internacional, both teams aiming to overturn 2-0 deficits. Following the conclusion of these matches, the quarter-final draw will take place on August 11, 2026, at the CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, with press accreditation deadlines set for August 9.

All stadiums involved in the quarter-finals are equipped with this new technology, ensuring its full deployment at this knockout competition stage. This move represents a significant step forward for Brazilian football, aligning Copa do Brasil officiating with cutting-edge technological standards seen globally.

This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

Source comparison

Teams advancing to quarter-finals

Sources report different teams that have secured spots in the quarter-finals

agenciaesporte.com.br

"Vasco and Cruzeiro have secured their places in the quarter-finals."

defato.com

"Currently, six teams have secured their spots in the quarter-finals: Vasco, Grêmio, Atletico-MG, Santos, Cruzeiro, and Palmeiras."

Why this matters: The first source states that Vasco and Cruzeiro have advanced, while the second source lists six teams including Vasco and Cruzeiro but also adds Grêmio, Atletico-MG, Santos, and Palmeiras. This discrepancy affects understanding of which teams are confirmed for the quarter-finals.