CBF draws groups for 2026 Copa do Nordeste

On Tuesday (3rd), the CBF held the draw for the Copa do Nordeste in the auditorium of its headquarters in Barra de Tijuca (RJ). Between March 25 and June 7, 20 teams will compete for the title, which grants direct access to the third phase of the 2027 Copa do Brasil. This year’s edition has increased from 16 to 20 participants. Clubs involved in CONMEBOL competitions are not participating.

The competition will have four stages. The first will feature four groups with five teams each, who will play against teams outside their group in a single round, totaling 50 matches. In the quarterfinals, the top two teams from each group in the First Phase will play single-elimination matches. The semifinals and the final will be played over two legs, home and away.

Groups of the 2026 Copa do NordesteCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF

CBF president Samir Xaud highlighted that the expansion of the competition is part of the current administration’s policy, which seeks to increase growth opportunities for clubs at the base of the national football pyramid. For this reason, all regional competitions will be guaranteed broadcast by television networks or streaming platforms. The Copa do Nordeste will have exclusive coverage by SBT.

“CBF listened to clubs, federations, market representatives, and relied on the dedication of several internal departments so that we could present a more rational calendar, respecting two fundamental premises: reducing the number of matches played by Série A clubs and offering more games for the base of the Brazilian football pyramid,” said Xaud.

CBF President Samir Xaud during the draw for the regional cups’ groupsCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

“Today’s event is precisely about this second point. We are going to energize our sport in every corner of the country, providing opportunities for clubs to remain active and creating a sustainable environment, which will consequently strengthen the regional cups themselves,” the president added.

The 2026 Copa do Nordeste has nine spots reserved for the 2025 state champions and nine for the runners-up, plus two additional spots for the best Federations according to the 2026 CBF National Club Ranking. The regional coordinator of the Copa do Nordeste will be José Vanildo, president of the Rio Grande do Norte Football Federation (FNF).

José Vanildo, president of the Rio Grande do Norte Football Federation, will be the regional coordinator of the Copa do NordesteCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF

“I am deeply happy because the Copa do Nordeste has been restructured in a new format. Today, the Copa do Nordeste is a symbol of success in Brazilian football. This new model will certainly evolve, as will those of other regions. Everyone wins, and so does Brazilian football,” said Vanildo.

GROUPS

GROUP A

Vitória-BA

ASA-AL

Souza-PB

Itabaiana-SE

Fluminense-PI

GROUP B

Juazeirense-BA

CRB-AL

Botafogo-PB

Confiança-SE

Piauí-PI

GROUP C

Ceará-CE

Sport-PE

América-RN

Imperatriz-MA

Ferroviário-CE

GROUP D

Fortaleza-CE

Retrô-PE

ABC-RN

Maranhão-MA

Jacuipense-BA

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.