Catarinense U20 (Brazil) 2026/27

The Campeonato Catarinense Sub-20 stands as the premier under-20 football competition in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Organized by the Federação Catarinense de Futebol (FCF), the tournament operates as the top-tier youth league within the regional pyramid. Its primary function lies in player development and serving as the gateway to national youth competitions.

The competition sits at the elite level of Brazilian youth football for the region. It serves as the direct feeder for national cups, with the champion securing a place in the Copa do Brasil Sub-20. Furthermore, the top finishers, typically the top four or semifinalists, earn qualification for the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. The number of spots available for the latter is determined annually by the FCF in coordination with the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF).

The structure relies on a regular season conducted in a double round-robin format, featuring ten or eleven participating clubs. Teams play home and away fixtures against each other before the top four advance to the knockout phase. These later stages utilize a two-legged system for both the semifinals and the final. If the aggregate score remains tied after two legs, the tie-breaker rules usually favour the team with the better overall campaign from the regular season, resorting to penalties only if necessary.

The tournament has a long-standing presence, having been founded in 1981. Avaí claimed the inaugural edition, but Criciúma has established itself as the most successful club in history. As of 2025, Criciúma holds sixteen titles, while Avaí has secured nine. Chapecoense follows with three championships. The competition remains distinct from the senior Campeonato Catarinense, focusing exclusively on the progression of younger players rather than senior state titles.