Six Teams Secure Quarter-final Spots in 2026 Copa do Brasil Amidst Controversies and Key Performances

Six teams have guaranteed their places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Copa do Brasil following the round of 16 second-leg matches. Atlético-MG was the first to clinch qualification with a 1-0 away win over Juventude in Caxias do Sul, courtesy of Minda’s goal in the 49th minute, after a goalless first leg. Santos advanced similarly, beating Remo 1-0 in Belém with Rony scoring the decisive goal after the first match also ended 0-0.

Cruzeiro emerged victorious over Chapecoense with a 2-0 win at home, with Matheus Henrique and Kaio Jorge scoring the goals that followed a draw in the first leg. Grêmio progressed with a 1-0 home win against Mirassol, overcoming a series of refereeing controversies, including a questionable free kick goal by Pavon and disallowed Mirassol goal due to a debated handball call confirmed by VAR. Vasco da Gama eliminated Fluminense with a 3-1 home win at Maracanã, highlighted by Brenner’s two goals and a late strike from Puma Rodríguez; Fluminense’s Martinelli scored a consolation goal. Palmeiras progressed despite losing 3-2 at Fortaleza in Cuiabá, since their dominant 3-0 win in the first leg secured a 5-3 aggregate victory. Fortaleza’s goals were scored by Miritello, Rodriguinho, and Lucas Emanoel, while Palmeiras responded through Flaco López and Murilo.

The matches were marked by significant moments: Grêmio’s controversial refereeing decisions provoked discussions about the officiating standards, while Brenner’s performance for Vasco stood out at a packed Maracanã stadium with 48,794 spectators. The quarter-final draw will occur on Tuesday, October 11, at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, setting the stage for the next phase culminating in a single-match final on December 6.

Notably, Grêmio’s next domestic fixture will be against São Paulo in the Brasileirão on September 8, and Mirassol will face Cruzeiro on September 9 as part of their ongoing campaigns. The upcoming quarter-final confrontations promise to be highly competitive, with all eight teams vying for Brazil’s most lucrative football title.