Copa do Brasil

Brazilian football tournament.

The Copa do Brasil is Brazil's premier knockout football tournament, established in 1989. It features clubs from various tiers of Brazilian football, including those from state leagues and the top teams in the country. The competition is open to 92 teams, which compete in a two-legged single-elimination format that culminates in the finals. The final consists of two matches, one at each team's home ground, ensuring a fair contest for the title.

Cruzeiro is the most successful club in the history of the Copa do Brasil, having won the tournament six times. Other notable winners include Grêmio with five titles and Flamengo and Palmeiras, both with four. The tournament has seen diverse champions, with clubs from São Paulo state winning the title ten times, more than any other state. The competition has undergone several changes since its inception, including adjustments to the number of participating teams and scheduling to accommodate other tournaments like the Copa Libertadores.

The Copa do Brasil is particularly significant for medium and small clubs, providing them a pathway to compete at a national level and potentially qualify for the prestigious Copa Libertadores. This aspect of the tournament has heightened its popularity and importance within Brazilian football. Matches are typically played midweek, allowing clubs to balance their domestic league commitments with cup competitions.

Over the years, the tournament has produced many memorable moments and legendary performances from some of Brazil's greatest footballers, including Romário, Ronaldo, and Neymar. The first edition of the Copa do Brasil saw Grêmio crowned as champions after defeating Atlético Mineiro in 1989.