Gaúcho - 2 (Brazil) 2025/26

The Campeonato Gaúcho de Futebol - Série A2, officially branded as the Gauchão Série A2, serves as the second tier of professional football in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Organised by the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF), the competition sits directly below the elite Série A1 and above the third-tier Série B. The tournament was established in 1952, initially operating under the name Segunda Divisão de Profissionais, and has since evolved through various structural adjustments.

The current format for the 2026 edition involves 16 clubs competing in a single group during a regular season played over a single round-robin schedule. Following this phase, the top eight teams progress to a two-legged knockout stage comprising quarterfinals, semifinals and a final. Video assistant referee (VAR) technology is deployed from the semifinals onwards. The primary stakes involve promotion and relegation: the champion and the runner-up secure a place in the Série A1, while the bottom two teams face a drop to the Série B.

Historically, the competition has been shaped by its focus on smaller regional entities rather than the major metropolitan sides found in the top flight. While the Série A1 features extensive national television coverage, the Série A2 matches are primarily streamed via the FGF’s own platform. There is no cash prize awarded to the winner; the sole incentive remains advancement to the higher division. Among the most successful clubs in the competition's history are Ypiranga, Esportivo and São Luiz, each having claimed the title four or five times. Novo Hamburgo emerged as the reigning champion following the 2025 season, having defeated Internacional de Santa Maria in the final.