Copinha 2026: Cruzeiro, Guanabara City, Grêmio and Ceará Confirm Quarterfinal Spots
The Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior 2026 advances as Cruzeiro, Guanabara City, Grêmio, and Ceará secure spots in the quarterfinals, setting up highly anticipated clashes.
- • Guanabara City eliminated Atlético-PI on penalties and will face Cruzeiro in the quarterfinals.
- • Cruzeiro defeated Santos 3-1 with goals from Rayan, Fernando, and Pietro.
- • Grêmio won 4-1 over América-RN and will play Ceará in the quarterfinals.
- • Ceará beat XV de Jaú 2-0, marking their fifth win in six matches.
Key details
The Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior 2026 (Copinha) has entered its decisive stages with the round of 16 unfolding since January 16. The quarterfinalists are starting to take shape following intense knockout matches. Guanabara City has advanced after eliminating Atlético-PI via a tense penalty shootout, winning 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation. They will face Cruzeiro, which earned its quarterfinal berth by beating Santos 3-1 in São Carlos.
The match between Cruzeiro and Santos was highly competitive during the opening half, marked by few clear goal-scoring opportunities. Cruzeiro’s Rayan opened the scoring immediately after halftime, brilliantly dribbling from the right to net the first goal. Thirteen minutes later, Rayan assisted Fernando for a neat counter-attack goal, putting Cruzeiro 2-0 ahead. Santos responded with a header from João Alencar in the 37th minute, narrowing the deficit. Nonetheless, Pietro sealed a 3-1 victory for Cruzeiro by scoring after a rebound in the 52nd minute.
Other quarterfinal spots were secured by Grêmio and Ceará. Grêmio impressed with a commanding 4-1 victory over América-RN, while Ceará progressed by defeating XV de Jaú 2-0, marking their fifth win in six matches. Grêmio will meet Ceará in the quarterfinal clash.
The remaining round of 16 fixtures were scheduled for January 17 to complete the lineup of the final eight. The Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior final is expected to take place on January 25, coinciding with the anniversary of the city of São Paulo, maintaining the tradition of closing the tournament on this symbolic date.
These results highlight the competitive intensity and talent on display in Brazil’s prestigious youth football tournament, with traditional clubs and rising teams battling for the coveted Copinha title.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
