Brazilian football: Série C promotion phase and national team updates

The second phase of the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro Série C has commenced, with eight clubs divided into two groups competing for promotion to Série B in 2027. The quadrangular phase features a mix of teams seeking to end long absences from the second division, such as Botafogo-PB (last in 1989) and Inter de Limeira (last in 1991), alongside Maringá FC and Floresta, who are both seeking their first-ever promotion to Série B.

In the opening matches, Inter de Limeira and Ferroviária played to a 3-3 draw at the Major Levy Sobrinho Stadium. Other key matchups include Maringá FC facing Floresta in Fortaleza. The top two teams from each group will secure automatic promotion.

Separately, the CBF has announced the Brazilian national team's schedule for the end of 2026. The team will play friendly matches against Japan and Singapore at the National Stadium in Singapore on November 14 and 17, respectively. This follows a series of matches against Australia and India in September and October. Additionally, the CBF is working to select a venue for the 2026 Copa do Brasil final, which will be held as a single match, with Brasília's Mané Garrincha Stadium being a leading candidate.