Flamengo stands out nationally with the highest average playing time in the Brazilian Serie A, while the CBF implements new rules to combat stalling tactics.
The pursuit of more dynamic soccer with fewer interruptions is gaining momentum in Brazil. A recent survey by Opta/CBF Academy, released by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), places Flamengo at the top of the list of clubs with the highest average playing time in the 2026 Brazilian Championship.
This study comes at a crucial moment, as the governing body and clubs actively seek solutions to enhance the on-field spectacle.
The data, presented during an event focused on combating stalling tactics and “time-wasting,” reveals that matches involving the Rubro-Negro maintain the ball in play for an average of 57 minutes and 39 seconds, which corresponds to 56.7% of the total game time.
This performance contrasts with other teams in the league, indicating a trend towards a more fluid style of play.
By Equipe M360 — Rio de Janeiro
08/10/2026 8:42 PM
Updated 08/11/2026
New Rules Against Stalling Tactics
In a strategic meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, representatives from clubs in Series A and B of the Brazilian Serie A endorsed a package of measures aimed at reducing “time-wasting.”
These new guidelines, inspired by tests applied in the last World Cup, aim to penalize tactics that delay the game, thereby promoting an effective increase in playing time and more continuous soccer.
The expectation is that such implementations will improve the fan experience and the competitiveness of matches.
Ranking Overview and Style Differences
The detailed survey by Opta/CBF Academy offers a clear view of the dynamics in the Brazilian Serie A. Following leader Flamengo, notable teams include Chapecoense, with 54 minutes and 55 seconds of playing time (53.5%), Grêmio, with 54 minutes and 39 seconds (53.3%), and Vasco, occupying fourth place with 54 minutes and 35 seconds (53.7%).
At the other end of the table, with the lowest average playing time, is Red Bull Bragantino, recording only 50 minutes and 01 second per match, representing 48.7% of the total time.
The study details the averages and percentages for all 20 Serie A clubs, highlighting the disparity in game fluidity.
Tactical Variations and International Example
The report also underscores an interesting aspect of modern soccer: teams like Chapecoense, Grêmio, and Vasco, despite registering good playing time indices, demonstrate significant rhythm variations when leading on the scoreboard.
This suggests a conscious tactical slowdown, even among teams that, on average, promote more fluid games. This tactical behavior of “holding” the game is not exclusive to the Brazilian scene.
The Premier League, for example, observes a similar phenomenon with Manchester City, a team with the highest average playing time in the league, but which also drastically adjusts its pace in winning scenarios.
The discussions and the implementation of new rules by the CBF highlight a joint effort to value the game and ensure that Brazilian soccer remains attractive and competitive, following global trends in combating stalling tactics.
This initiative promises to impact the dynamics of future Brazilian Serie A seasons, aiming to enhance the quality of the spectacle for everyone involved.
Equipe M360
