2026 Copa do Brasil Fourth Round is Set: Check Out the Matchups and National Football Surprises

It's here, folks! The CBF has released the list of qualified teams and the matchups for the fourth round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil, and things are starting to heat up. This is the moment we begin to separate the men from the boys, where the Série A teams start sweating bullets, fearing the giant-killers from the lower divisions. And, honestly, this year things are looking particularly exciting.

Heavyweight Clashes and the Strength of Série B

What really caught my eye in this draw was the strong presence of Série B teams. While the big guns are wary of each other, the second-division clubs have shown they mean business, securing their spots through sheer grit. Traditional sides like Sport, Criciúma, and Vila Nova, who have caused major upsets in other editions, are back to haunt the big boys. 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.

Take a look at some of the clashes that promise to grip the nation in the coming weeks:

• Flamengo x Coritiba: The always-favorite red-and-blacks take on a Coxa side that has troubled giants before, like in 2024. Expect drama at the Maracanã.
• Palmeiras x Sport: The current champions from the 2025 edition (yes, that historic final against Inter) will have to sweat for it against Leão da Ilha, who are flying high in Série B.
• São Paulo x Criciúma: O Tigre has already shown no fear of visiting the Morumbi. If São Paulo slips up, they could be in for a shock.
• Atlético-MG x Vila Nova: Galo, knocked out in the quarterfinals last year, wants to make up for lost time, but Vila Nova is a tough, no-nonsense team.

The Future is Also in Play: U-20 and Women's Tournaments

And it's not just the senior teams shaking things up. Anyone who follows the youth categories knows that the Copa do Brasil de Futebol Sub-20 has become the breeding ground for tomorrow's stars. The youngsters are putting pressure on the first-team regulars, and it wouldn't surprise me if one of them breaks through by the time the Round of 16 comes around for the senior squad. Meanwhile, the women are continuing to write history in the Copa do Brasil de Futebol Feminino. The level of football they play has evolved so much that their matches now rival the men's in terms of viewership and excitement. Corinthians and Ferroviária, for instance, played a semi-final last year that was worthy of a World Cup final.

Speaking of which, I can't help but remember the 2024 edition, with that legendary last-minute goal from Hulk, and Palmeiras's spectacular comeback in 2025. These recent memories only heighten the pressure on the teams stepping onto the field now. The 2024 Copa do Brasil showed that no game is a sure thing, and the 2025 edition proved that Brazilian football always has a few surprises up its sleeve.

It's Do-or-Die Now

From the fourth round onwards, mistakes are fatal. These are two-legged ties played under the pressure of 200 million armchair coaches. Have the Série B teams that made it this far already achieved their goals? No way! They want blood; they want that spot in the Round of 16 and, who knows, a matchup with a giant to fill both their coffers and their souls. 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 your vocal cords, and dust off your flags. The fourth round promises nights of glory and tears. And as I always say from this desk: in Brazil, until the final whistle blows, nothing is decided. Stick with me because the show is just getting started!