2026 Copa do Brasil Fourth Stage Draw: Full Fixtures and National Football Surprises

It's on, folks! The CBF has dropped the list of qualified teams and the fixtures for the fourth stage of the 2026 Copa do Brasil, and things are already starting to heat up. This is the moment we start to separate the boys from the men, where the Série A sides start to sweat at the thought of giant-killers from the lower divisions. And, honestly, this year it's looking particularly juicy.

Heavyweight Clashes and the Série B Factor

What really grabbed my attention in this draw was the strong showing from the Série B teams. While the big boys are busy with their rivalries, the second-tier clubs have shown they mean business, grinding out their spots the hard way. Traditional outfits like Sport, Criciúma and Vila Nova, who've caused major upsets in previous editions, are back to stir the pot. It just goes to show that the Copa do Brasil isn't just another tournament; it's a national passion that levels the playing field and gives the underdog a real crack.

Check out some of the clashes set to have the country on the edge of their seat over the next few weeks:

• Flamengo v Coritiba: The red-and-black, always favourites, take on a Coxa side that's troubled giants before, including back in 2024. Expect drama at the Maracanã.
• Palmeiras v Sport: The reigning 2025 champions (yes, that historic final against Inter) will have to earn it against the Leão da Ilha, who are flying high in Série B.
• São Paulo v Criciúma: O Tigre has shown no fear when visiting the Morumbi. If São Paulo switch off, they could be in for a nasty shock.
• Atlético-MG v Vila Nova: Galo, who bowed out in the quarters last year, are looking to make amends, but Vila Nova are as tough as they come.

The Next Gen and the Women's Game

And it's not just the senior sides making waves. Anyone who follows the youth setups knows that the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 has become a genuine hotbed for future stars. The kids are putting pressure on the first-team regulars, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of them break through by the Round of 16. Meanwhile, the women are continuing to make history in the Copa do Brasil Feminino. The standard of football on display has improved out of sight, with matches now rivaling the men's in terms of viewing figures and sheer excitement. The semi-final between Corinthians and Ferroviária last year, for instance, was a World Cup final-worthy affair.

Speaking of which, I can't help but think back to the 2024 edition, with that all-time great last-gasp goal from Hulk, and Palmeiras' stunning comeback in 2025. Those recent memories only heap more pressure on the teams about to take the field. The 2024 Copa do Brasil taught us that no game is a done deal, and proved that Brazilian football always has a few aces up its sleeve.

Do-or-Die Time

From the fourth stage onwards, there's no room for error. It's two-legged ties, played out under the watchful eye of 200 million armchair coaches. Have the Série B teams that made it this far already achieved their goal? No way! They're out for blood, desperate for a spot in the last 16 and, who knows, a money-spinning tie against one of the giants that'll fill the coffers and lift the spirits. That's exactly why the 2026 Copa do Brasil is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

Get your hearts ready, warm up those vocal cords, and dust off your club banner. The fourth stage promises nights of glory and heartbreak. And as I always say here: in Brazil, nothing is decided until the final whistle blows. Stick with me – the show is just getting started!