Brazilian Serie D 2026 round‑of‑16 match schedule released
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) published the dates and venues for the round‑of‑16 phase of the 2026 Serie D championship. The first‑leg fixtures are set for 18–19 July, with the return legs on 25–26 July. Match‑ups include São José‑RS vs Treze (first leg at Francisco Novelletto in Porto Alegre, return at Amigão in Campina Grande), Nacional‑AM vs Iguatu‑CE, Cianorte‑PR vs ASA‑AL, Uberlândia‑MG vs Portuguesa‑SP, Goiatuba‑GO vs Ferroviário‑CE, Luverdense‑MT vs ABC‑RN, CSA‑AL vs São Luiz‑RS, and América‑RN vs Gama‑DF. Winners will advance to the quarter‑finals, where the four semifinalists secure promotion to Serie C for the 2027 season. Earlier round‑of‑16 qualifiers included América‑RN’s 2‑1 win over Trem‑AP and Iguatu‑CE’s 2‑1 victory over a Pernambuco side, despite a brief interruption when goalkeeper Zé Rafael was temporarily swarmed by ants on the pitch. The schedule and results have been widely covered by national sports outlets.