Fourth Round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil Draw: Full Fixtures and the Lower-League Teams Shaking Things Up

The wait is over, folks! The CBF has released the list of qualified teams and the fixtures for the fourth round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil, and things are starting to heat up. This is the stage where we begin to separate the contenders from the pretenders, where Série A sides start to sweat at the thought of giant-killings from the lower divisions. And let me tell you, this year's lineup is particularly juicy.

Heavyweight Clashes and the Série B Factor

What really stands out from this draw is the strong contingent of Série B teams. While the big boys are busy sizing each other up, these second-division clubs have proven they mean business, grinding out their places with sheer grit. Traditional powerhouses like Sport, Criciúma, and Vila Nova, who've sent shockwaves through the country in previous editions, are back to cause trouble. It just goes to show that the Copa do Brasil isn't just a tournament; it's a national passion that levels the playing field and gives the underdog a real shot.

Here are some of the ties that look set to grip the nation over the coming weeks:

• Flamengo vs Coritiba: The Rio giants, always favourites, take on a Coritiba side that has embarrassed bigger clubs before, notably back in 2024. Expect drama at the Maracanã.
• Palmeiras vs Sport: The current champions from the 2025 edition (yes, that historic final against Internacional) will have to fight tooth and nail against the 'Lion of the Island', who are flying high in Série B.
• São Paulo vs Criciúma: 'The Tiger' has shown no fear of visiting the Morumbi. If São Paulo are off their game, they could be in for a shock.
• Atlético-MG vs Vila Nova: Atlético, who were knocked out in the quarter-finals last year, are out to make amends, but Vila Nova are a notoriously tough nut to crack.

Eyes on the Future: Under-20 and Women's Competitions

And it's not just the senior men's game that's making waves. Anyone who follows the youth set-ups knows that the Copa do Brasil Under-20 has become a hotbed for the stars of tomorrow. The youngsters are really putting pressure on the first-team regulars, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see one of them break through by the time the last-16 comes around. Meanwhile, the women continue to make history in the Copa do Brasil Feminino. The standard of women's football has improved so dramatically that matches now rival the men's game for viewership and sheer excitement. The semi-final between Corinthians and Ferroviária last year, for instance, had all the drama of a World Cup final.

Speaking of which, I can't help but recall the 2024 edition, with that unbelievable injury-time goal from Hulk, and Palmeiras' stunning comeback in 2025. These recent memories only pile more pressure on the teams stepping onto the pitch now. The 2024 Copa do Brasil taught us that no game is a foregone conclusion, and proved that Brazilian football's 'thermos flask' always has a few more hot surprises stored away.

It's Win or Go Home

From the fourth round onwards, mistakes are fatal. With two-legged ties and the pressure of 200 million self-appointed managers, the heat is on. Have the Série B teams that have made it this far already achieved their goals? Not a chance! They're hungry for more; they want that place in the last 16 and, who knows, a money-spinning, soul-stirring tie against one of the giants. That's 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 giant flags. The fourth round promises nights of glory and tears. And as I always say here: in Brazil, nothing is decided until the final whistle blows. Stick with me, because the show is just getting started!