State Football Championship Finals Heat Up Across Brazil in Early 2026

As the Brazilian state football championships approach their conclusions in early 2026, several significant finals and historic milestones are unfolding across the country. In Maranhão, IAPE clinched the Maranhense title for the first time by defeating Maranhão 1-0, marking a historic achievement for the club. In Bahia, the long-awaited Campeonato Baiano final between Bahia and Vitória is set for a single decisive match on Saturday.

Santa Catarina’s final features Barra holding a 3-1 advantage over Chapecoense, who must win by at least two goals to claim the title. Meanwhile, in the fierce Clássico-Rei, Fortaleza won the first leg against Ceará 2-1 and now only needs a draw in the return leg to secure the Campeonato Cearense crown. Grêmio dominated Internacional 3-0 in the Campeonato Gaúcho final’s first leg, pressuring Internacional to overcome a steep deficit in the next match.

In Minas Gerais, Cruzeiro and Atlético are poised for a decisive showdown on Sunday. The Pará state championship has seen Paysandu defeat Remo 2-1, which led to the dismissal of Remo's coach Juan Carlos Osorio. In São Paulo’s Paulistão, Novorizontino reached its first-ever state final just 16 years after the club's founding in 2010, after eliminating Corinthians. They will face Palmeiras, who knocked out São Paulo, with Novorizontino hosting the first leg.

Elsewhere, the Pernambucano final between Sport and Náutico is locked at 3-3, leading to a decisive upcoming match. In Rio de Janeiro, Fluminense advanced to the Carioca final after drawing with Vasco 1-1, following a 1-0 first-leg victory, while Flamengo stands ready to face Madureira looking to secure a place in the finals despite having a 3-0 lead from the first match.