The tournament will be adjusted in line with the calendar change, with a new format of eight games for each team.
The Paulista Football Federation (FPF) announced the format and matches for the 2026 Paulistaão Tournament at an event held in Pacaembu on Tuesday night. The competition will be restructured due to changes to the Brazilian football calendar and will have a similar format to the Champions League. A total of 11 days will be held, with the first phase consisting of single matches lasting 8 days and the knockout stage lasting 3 days.
In the group stage, 16 teams will play eight games each. Participants will be divided into four groups. One is Corinthians, Palmeiras, São Paulo and Santos. On the other are Bragantino, Mirasol, Novolizontino and San Bernardo. In third place are Guarani, Ponte Preta, Portuguesa and Vero Clube. Finally, there were the two players who were promoted from series A2, Capivariano and Primavera, and the two worst players from last time, Botafogo and Noro Este. Crash is already defined and there are no established tables.
Each team plays three opponents from the same pot and plays five more rounds against another group of opponents. For example, pot A has two from B and C and one from D. This will keep Paulistan all classic throughout the first phase. Ranking will be based on straight points, with the best eight advancing to the knockout stage. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals will be held in single matches.
There is a possibility that a big decision will be made between the two games. Everything will depend on whether the São Paulo club takes part in the preliminary phase of the game against Libertadores or whether they negotiate with the CBF for the 12th date.
Check out each team’s match at Paulistan 2026.
Corinthians: Santos, Palmeiras, Sao Paulo, Bragantino, San Bernardo, Vero Clube, Ponte Preta, Capivariano.
palm tree: Santos, São Paulo, Corinthians, Novolizontino, Mirasol, Guarani, Portugal, Botafogo.
São Paulo: Santos, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Mirasol, San Bernardo, Portuguesa, Ponte Preta, Primavera.
Saints: Palmeiras, São Paulo, Corinthians, Bragantino, Novolizontino, Belo Cruve, Guarani, Noroeste.
Paulisto 2026 is approaching!
Check out each team’s opponents! #Paulistão2026 pic.twitter.com/Qz7QKJzLxH
— Paulistao (@Paulistao) November 12, 2025
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