Cearense - 2 (Brazil) 2026/27

Cearense Série B, known as the Segunda Divisão, operates as the second tier of state football in Ceará, Brazil. Organised by the Federação Cearense de Futebol (FCF), the competition sits at the fourth level of the national pyramid. The modern structure was inaugurated in 2021, replacing the former Segunda Divisão which had been held intermittently since 1966. The 2026 season features eight clubs: Barbalha, Cariri, Caucaia, Crateús, Crato, Guaraní de Juazeiro, and others. The format pits ten teams against each other in two groups of five. Group leaders advance directly to the semifinals, while the last-placed team in each group faces relegation to the state’s third tier, Série C. Promotion to the top-flight Campeonato Cearense Série A is awarded to the two finalists of the Série B. Historically, the tournament has seen various champions. Guarany de Sobral holds the record with four titles, followed by Icasa and Guarani de Juazeiro with three each. The inaugural 2021 Série B was won by Maracanã Esporte Clube. Recent winners include Tirol and Cariri in 2024, while Maranguape and Quixadá reached the 2025 final. The competition serves as a developmental and promotional tier for smaller regional clubs, distinguishing itself from the Série A by focusing on lower-profile teams. Qualification for the national Série D is not automatic for the Série B champion, usually requiring performance in the Série A or the Copa do Ceará. The FCF, founded in 1920, oversees all state football activities, including this second-tier contest.