The regulation changes were triggered by the new Brazilian football calendar implemented by the CBF.
The São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) This Tuesday, we announced the new format for the 2026 edition. PaulistanDuring the technical council of the competition held in Pacaembu. Next year’s tournament will be held according to the same policy as now. champions league.
In this new format, the 16 participating teams were divided into four pots. Each team will play their pot opponents drawn this Tuesday, as well as five other clubs in other pots. To guarantee all classics involving Corinthians, Palmeiras, São Paulo and Santos, in addition to the Campinas derby between Guarani and Ponte Preta, FPF has placed these teams in the same pot.
This means each team will play eight games throughout the first phase, which will be played on straight points. The top eight will advance to the quarterfinals and semifinals, which will be played in single games. Regarding the tournament finals, FPF did not define whether they would be played in one match or back and forth.
According to FPF, the reason for the change in tournament regulations and format is that the new CBF calendar, which will be in place next year, will reduce the number of dates for state championships.
The opening match of Paulistan 2026 will be held on January 11th, and the final match will be held on March 8th.
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