Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
17h ago

CBF Shifts Libertadores Slots: Copa do Brasil to Qualify Champion and Runner-Up From 2026

Officials have yet to decide if the runner-up advances directly to the group stage.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The decision was announced at the Série A Technical Council meeting at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
  • The change takes effect in 2026, adding a second continental berth via the national cup for the tournament runner-up.
  • The CBF is still defining whether that berth leads to the group stage or the preliminary rounds and how to handle cases in which finalists are already qualified through the league.
  • According to reporting cited by Extra, one Libertadores place will be removed from the Brasileirão, which would reduce the league’s allocation from six to five clubs.
  • The 2026 edition will start the week of February 18, introduce Série A teams in the fifth phase in April, stage a single-match final on December 6, convert the first five phases to single-leg ties, and expand to 126 teams in 2026 and 128 in 2027.