The Copa do Brasil quarterfinals will feature exclusively Serie A teams, with many goals scored in the second leg matches.
The late stages of the 2026 Copa do Brasil are taking shape as the Round of 16 concludes. The competition stands out with an unprecedented scenario: all eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals will belong to the elite of national football, the Serie A of the Campeonato Brasileiro. This achievement underscores the strength of the major clubs in this decisive phase of the tournament.
So far, six spots have been filled by giants such as Atlético Mineiro, Santos, Vasco, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, and Grêmio. The final two will be decided this Thursday (6th) in the matches between Vitória and Athletico Paranaense, and Corinthians and Internacional, starting at 8 PM.
Action-Packed and High-Scoring Round of 16
After a Round of 16 start with four goalless first-leg matches, the return legs were marked by intense action and plenty of goals. The offenses opened up, and the teams’ tactical approaches shifted, providing spectacles with numerous goals and comebacks.
In the match between Vasco and Fluminense, which ended with 13 shots on goal in the second leg, Vasco shone with debutant Brenner, who scored two goals. The Rio de Janeiro team capitalized on counter-attacks in the second half, following a dominant first half with three defensive midfielders.
Fluminense coach Luis Zubeldia attempted to react by bringing on Ganso, Hulk, and Soteldo, but Vasco extended their lead late in the game with Puma, securing their spot. The game was also intense in terms of fouls, totaling 36.
Cruzeiro Overcomes Difficulties to Advance
At the Mineirão, Cruzeiro secured their qualification against Chapecoense in a match that became an attack versus defense scenario, especially after Max Alves was sent off. The team from Minas Gerais showed patience to break down the opponent’s defensive block.
The opening goal came from Matheus Henrique, who showed great commitment by suffering a fractured nose after scoring. In the second half, Kaio Jorge, from a penalty, sealed the victory and Cruzeiro‘s advancement.
Other Clashes and Controversial Refereeing
In Porto Alegre, Grêmio achieved their first-ever victory against Mirassol, despite questionable refereeing. The team from Rio Grande do Sul had a penalty not awarded, while a goal by the São Paulo team was disallowed in a controversial play involving a handball.
Meanwhile, in Cuiabá, Fortaleza defeated Palmeiras 3-2, but it was not enough to advance, as they had lost the first leg 3-0, confirming Palmeiras‘s qualification.
On Tuesday (4th), Santos and Atlético-MG also secured their spots by defeating Remo and Juventude, respectively, both by 1-0 away from home. These results consolidate the massive presence of Serie A teams in the quarterfinals, promising high-level and highly competitive matches.
Next Steps in the Copa do Brasil
With the confirmation that only elite clubs will be in the quarterfinals, the Copa do Brasil is gearing up for an even more electrifying phase. The remaining matches this Thursday (6th) will decide the last qualifiers, and the expectation is for balanced and high-intensity games.
The M360 Team will continue to follow all developments of the most democratic competition in the country. Visit M360 Team for more analysis and news.
