Sports

Inside the Série C 2026 Playoffs: What You Need to Know

The first phase of Brazil's Série C has wrapped up, leaving only eight teams standing in the fight for promotion. Here is how the high-stakes playoff phase works.

WhyThisBuzz DeskAug 30, 20262 min read
Share:

The regular season of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C has officially concluded, narrowing the field from 20 teams down to just eight contenders. These remaining clubs are now entering the decisive playoff stage—the quadrangular do acesso—where four coveted tickets to Série B are up for grabs.

With the next phase kicks off shortly, here is a complete breakdown of who is still alive, how the groups are structured, and what it takes to secure promotion.

The Elite Eight and the Relegation Fall

Botafogo-PB and Brusque secured their spots early, but a dramatic final round saw six more teams join the promotion hunt.

The final eight consists of:

  • Botafogo-PB (Regular season leaders)
  • Brusque
  • Ferroviária
  • Maringá
  • Floresta
  • Inter de Limeira
  • Paysandu
  • Santa Cruz

Meanwhile, Confiança and Itabaiana have been relegated to Série D. Under the CBF’s updated league format, six teams will earn promotion from Série D this year, expanding next season’s Série C from 20 to 24 clubs.

How the Playoff Groups Work

The eight qualified teams have been split into two distinct groups of four based on their final regular-season standings:

  • Group A: Features the teams that finished 1st, 4th, 5th, and 8th.
  • Group B: Comprises the teams that finished 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th.

The teams will play a double round-robin format (home and away matches) within their respective groups, totaling six rounds of high-intensity football.

The stakes are simple: the top two teams from each group at the end of the six rounds will earn direct promotion to Série B.

The Path to the Championship

While promotion is the primary goal, the ultimate silverware is still on the line. The top team from Group A will face the top team from Group B in a two-legged final to crown the Série C champion.

These final matches are tentatively scheduled for October 18 and October 25. However, the CBF is expected to adjust the second-leg date, as October 25 coincides with the second round of municipal elections in Brazil.

All eyes are currently on Botafogo-PB. Led by the ageless 45-year-old midfielder Nenê, who is closing in on his 300th career goal, the regular-season leaders are looking to end a 38-year absence from Brazil's second division.

Related Explainers