Copa Verde (Brazil) 2025/26

Copa Verde is a regional knockout cup competition in Brazilian football, organized by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF). Introduced in 2014, it targets clubs from the North, Central-West, and the state of Espírito Santo. The tournament offers a pathway for smaller regional teams to access national stages, distinct from the broader national league structure.

Participation is determined by state championship outcomes and CBF rankings. The field has grown from sixteen teams in the inaugural season to twenty-four by 2024. Matches follow a two-legged tie format, with aggregate scores deciding progression. If the total score is level, the contest moves directly to penalty kicks, bypassing the away goals rule. A major structural shift occurred in 2026, adopting a supercup model that splits the competition into two preliminary regional leagues, the Copa Norte and the Copa Centro-Oeste. Each sub-league contains twelve teams divided into two groups of six, utilizing a group stage format. The champions of these regional divisions then meet in a single final to crown the overall winner.

Success in the tournament brings tangible rewards. The champion secures a place in the Copa do Brasil, typically entering in the third phase, and receives a cash prize. Historically, the title also granted entry to the Copa Sul-Americana, though Conmebol regulation changes in 2016 removed this automatic qualification, focusing benefits on domestic cups and financial incentives. Paysandu holds the record for the most victories, having claimed the title six times between 2016 and 2026. Other notable winners include Cuiabá, Brasília, Luverdense, Remo, and Goiás. The competition operates on an earlier schedule than the national cup, serving as a critical feeder for clubs seeking recognition beyond their immediate region.