Copa Rio U20 (Brazil) 2026/27

The Copa Rio U20 is a youth football competition in Brazil run by the Federação de Futebol do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FERJ). The tournament serves as a secondary development pathway for clubs in the Rio de Janeiro state, distinct from the primary state league. It operates primarily in the first half of the year, typically beginning in March or April.

The event dates back to 1969, originally operating under the name the Torneio Octávio Pinto Guimarães (OPG). Between 2021 and 2023, the competition merged with the Copa Rio Sub-20 under a combined title before splitting into two separate competitions in 2024. The format for 2026 involves 16 teams divided into two groups of eight, playing a single round-robin group stage followed by a two-legged knockout phase for the semi-finals and final.

Participation is restricted to the youth squads of clubs competing in the professional Campeonato Carioca Série A. The tournament does not offer promotion to senior leagues; instead, it focuses on player development. Flamengo holds the record for the most titles in the competition’s history, including its predecessor iterations, with 11 victories. Botafogo follows with nine titles, and Vasco da Gama has secured seven.

Recent winners include Vasco da Gama in 2024 and Botafogo in 2025 and 2026. For the current season, the participating clubs are Sampaio Corrêa U20, Madureira U20, Audax RJ U20, Boavista U20, Cabofriense U20, and Portuguesa RJ U20.