Brazilian football bodies release Copa do Brasil round‑of‑16 dates and suspend flag‑football players

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the complete schedule for the round of 16 of the 2026 Copa do Brasil. First‑leg matches will be played from August 1 to August 3, with the return legs from August 4 to August 6. Highlights include the Vasco vs Fluminense classic at the Maracanã, as well as draw‑ups such as Internacional vs Corinthians, Palmeiras vs Fortaleza and Atlético Mineiro vs Juventude. Unlike previous editions, the quarter‑final opponents will be decided by a new draw, and the final will be a single match on December 6 at a venue to be announced.

Separately, the Brazilian Confederation of American Football (CBFA) has suspended five male flag‑football national‑team players after a private chat containing misogynist and violent remarks was leaked. The athletes – João Pedro Chermont, Vitor Paiva, Nicolas Quadro, Matheus Duarte de Oliveira and Felipe Aymoré – are barred from official activities pending a disciplinary inquiry. The disciplinary action comes as Brazil prepares for the World Championship in Düsseldorf (August 13‑16) and the sport’s upcoming debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.