The third phase of Copa of Brasil 2026 ended this week, defining the 24 clubs that will advance to the fourth stage of the tournament. The clashes were established based on the previous selection carried out by the CBF, and the games will take place in a single match between March 17th and 19th. In the event of a draw in normal time, the classification will be decided directly by penalty kicks, without extra time. The competition maintains the expanded format with 126 participants in total.
The phase brings together teams from different divisions, including representatives from Série B, Série C and Série D who overcame opponents in previous rounds. Clubes like Volta Redonda, Barra-SC and Jacuipense secured a place after decisive performances in the third phase.
Fourth phase clashes
The 12 duels in the fourth phase have field teams already defined in the CBF’s initial draw.
- Volta Redonda hosts Barra-SC in a clash that pits the team from Rio against a newcomer from Santa Catarina in the competition.
- Sport faces Athletic Club in a duel that pits the lion from Pernambuco against the recently rising Minas Gerais.
- Nova Iguaçu measures forces with Fortaleza, bringing the team from Rio de Janeiro against the tricolor from Ceará.
- Jacuipense plays at home against Novorizontino, bringing together people from Bahia and São Paulo in search of the next spot.
Classifieds details
Several teams advanced dramatically in the third round. Barra-SC eliminated América-MG on penalties after a goalless draw, marking their positive debut in the tournament. Sport also beat Anápolis on penalties, with emphasis on the performance of goalkeeper Thiago Couto.
Other classifieds include São Bernardo, who beat Joinville 1-0 in normal time, and Goiás, who beat Fluminense-PI 3-0. Fortaleza advanced with a 1-0 victory over Manauara, while Maringá defeated Uberlândia 3-2 in a busy game.
Prizes and stage format
The fourth phase distributes prizes that vary depending on the clubs’ ranking group. Times of Grupo I (generally Série B) receive higher amounts, while those of Grupo II (Series C, D and others) have lower amounts, according to the table published by the CBF. The winner of each confrontation pockets the amount and advances to the fifth phase.
The stage keeps the game unique, different from the following stages which are back and forth. The CBF should publish the detailed table with times and locations in the coming days.
Teams that advanced from the third stage
The classified list reflects the balance of the competition so far. Equipes as Portuguesa-SP secured a place in the penalties against Avaí-SC, while Ponte Preta beat Guarany from Bagé 1-0.
Other decisive results included Juventude overcoming their opponents, CRB eliminating Figueirense and Paysandu advancing over Vila Nova on penalties. Esses clubs are now looking to surprise in the next round.
Outlook for the fifth phase
The 12 winners of the fourth stage join the 20 clubs from Série A of Brasileiro in the fifth stage. Flamengo, Palmeiras, Corinthians and other elite teams enter the dispute from that moment on, with round-trip clashes.
The fifth phase bracket will be defined by pots based on Ranking Nacional of Clubes, ensuring balance in duels. The phase is scheduled for April, with first games on the 22nd and 23rd, and return games on May 13th and 14th.
Importance of competition
The Copa of the Brasil 2026 remains one of the main gateways to continental competitions. The champion guarantees a place in Libertadores, in addition to an accumulated prize pool that can exceed tens of millions of reais at the end of the tournament.
Smaller clubs value the opportunity to face giants in later stages, while Série B teams seek national affirmation. The fourth phase represents the last filter before the big ones enter.
The competition continues until December, with a single game ending on a date to be confirmed by the CBF.
