Brazil Cup
The Copa do Brasil: Brazil’s Most Democratic Football Tournament
The Copa do Brasil (Brazil Cup) is widely recognized as the most democratic competition in Brazilian football. It offers smaller clubs a rare chance to challenge the country's football giants, creating countless stories of underdog triumphs, thrilling matches, and unexpected upsets over the years. One of the tournament’s biggest attractions is its lucrative prize: the champion earns a direct spot in the Copa Libertadores and a multi-million real payout, often exceeding 70 million reais (around $14 million USD).
The Origins of the Copa do Brasil
The inaugural edition of the Copa do Brasil took place in 1989, featuring 32 participating clubs from across the country. It was launched by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) with the goal of democratizing national football, giving smaller teams the opportunity to compete against Brazil’s elite clubs on a national stage.
Grêmio won the first-ever title, defeating Sport Recife in the final — marking the beginning of a competition that would soon become one of the most exciting and unpredictable tournaments in South American football.
The Most Successful Clubs
Since its inception, the Copa do Brasil has crowned many champions, but a few clubs have stood out for their consistent success:
Cruzeiro – 6 titles (1993, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2017, 2018)
Cruzeiro holds the record as the most successful team in Copa do Brasil history.Grêmio – 5 titles (1989, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2016)
Grêmio was also the first-ever champion of the tournament.Flamengo – 5 titles (1990, 2006, 2013, 2022, 2024)
Flamengo has had recent success, cementing its legacy in the competition.Palmeiras – 4 titles (1998, 2012, 2015, 2020)
Palmeiras has consistently performed in both national and continental competitions.Corinthians – 3 titles (1995, 2002, 2009)
One of São Paulo’s biggest clubs, Corinthians has left its mark on the tournament.Atlético Mineiro – 2 titles (2014, 2021)
Internacional – 1 title (1992)
Santos – 1 title (2010)
São Paulo FC – 1 title (2023)
Despite being one of Brazil’s traditional powerhouses, São Paulo won its first Copa do Brasil only recently.Athletico Paranaense – 1 title (2019)
Several other clubs have also lifted the trophy, including Vasco da Gama, Sport Recife, Fluminense, and Juventude, proving that the Copa do Brasil truly embodies the unpredictability and inclusivity of Brazilian football.
Evolution of the Copa do Brasil Format
Since its launch, the Copa do Brasil has undergone several format changes to adapt to the growing landscape of Brazilian football:
1989 to 1994: The tournament began with 32 teams, following a traditional knockout format with two-legged ties (home and away).
1995 to 1999: The competition expanded to 40 clubs, maintaining the same elimination-style format.
2000 to 2012: The number of participating teams gradually increased to 64, allowing greater representation from all Brazilian states and further democratizing the tournament.
2013 to 2016: The Copa do Brasil reached 86 teams, and for the first time included clubs participating in the Copa Libertadores, increasing the tournament’s competitiveness.
2017 to Present: Currently, the tournament features 92 teams, with Libertadores clubs joining from the Round of 16, ensuring a high level of competition in the later stages.
The knockout format remains in place, with home-and-away legs from the third round onward. Until 2020, the away goals rule was used as a tiebreaker, but this rule has since been abolished, making the ties more balanced and unpredictable.
Interesting Facts and Historical Highlights of the Copa do Brasil
The Copa do Brasil has a rich history filled with surprises, unforgettable moments, and unique milestones:
Most Final Appearances: Grêmio, known as "Tricolor Gaúcho," holds the record with 9 appearances in the Copa do Brasil finals.
Biggest Win: In 1991, Atlético Mineiro defeated Caiçara-PI with an astonishing 11–0 scoreline, the largest victory margin in tournament history.
First Champion Outside the Traditional Axis: In 1991, Criciúma became the first club outside the Rio-São Paulo-Minas-Rio Grande do Sul axis to lift the trophy, marking a turning point in national representation.
Biggest Underdog Story: The 2004 edition saw Santo André pull off one of the greatest upsets in Brazilian football history, defeating Flamengo at Maracanã Stadium to claim the title.
Record-Breaking Prize Money: The Copa do Brasil has become one of the most lucrative football tournaments in Brazil. In 2024, Flamengo earned approximately R$ 92 million (over USD 18 million) for winning the competition.
Copa do Brasil 2025
The 2025 edition of the Copa do Brasil will run from February 18 to November 9, bringing together 92 teams from across all regions of Brazil.
In the initial phase, 80 teams will compete in single-elimination matches. Unlike previous editions, the away team no longer has the advantage of advancing in case of a draw. If the match ends in a tie, the winner will be determined by penalty shootout. This rule will also apply in the second phase.
Starting from the third round, 12 additional teams will join the tournament: Botafogo, Palmeiras, CRB, Cruzeiro, Fortaleza, São Paulo, Internacional, Corinthians, Bahia, Santos, Flamengo, and Paysandu.
From this stage forward, the tournament returns to its traditional home-and-away leg format, increasing the intensity and excitement of each tie.
Brazilian Cup champions by edition
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