All Série B clubs complete 2026 season openers in state leagues
All 20 Série B teams played their first matches of 2026 in state championships, producing early form clues and squad signals ahead of the national campaign.
The state championships kicked off with every club set for Brazil’s 2026 Série B taking the field for the first time this year, and the opening slate delivered clear early indicators on form, rotation and priorities.
América/MG led the headlines with a statement win over fellow Série B side Athletic/MG, a 3-0 victory under Alberto Valenti with goals from Eduardo Person, Thauan and Éverton Brito. Atlético/GO opened with a 2-0 win over Anápolis at Antônio Accioly, Léo Jacó and Tito on the scoresheet. Goiás produced a clinical 4-0 result against Goiatuba, with Luisão, Lucas Rodrigues, Pedrinho and Gegê combining for the rout.
Several teams used mixed squads or youth units to manage minutes and test depth. Ceará fielded a Sub-20 side to beat Floresta in the Cearense while scheduling the professional team’s debut under Mozart for a later date. Cuiabá lost a classic to Luverdense 1-0 with a lineup blended with Sub-23 players, and Coritiba leaned on a Sub-23 when drawing 2-2 with Londrina.
Criciúma already has two matches under its belt in the Catarinense: a 2-0 reverse to Marcílio Dias followed by a 2-1 win over Avaí, the latter making the Avaí game notable as an intra-Série B clash. Avaí split results too, beating Barra 2-1 at Ressacada (goals by Maurício Garcez and Josmar) but falling to Criciúma. Fortaleza drew 0-0 with Ferroviário at Presidente Vargas, finishing with a one-player advantage but unable to break through.
In São Paulo state action, São Bernardo rolled to a 4-0 win over Capivariano with Echaporã netting twice and additional goals from Felipe Garcia and Pedro Vitor. Ponte Preta suffered a tough 3-0 defeat to Corinthians in Itaquera, while Novorizontino were on the losing end against Santos in the Paulistão. Botafogo-SP opened the Paulista with a goalless draw at Velo Clube, and Operário-PR lost to Londrina 2-0 before drawing 1-1 with Maringá.
Náutico started the Pernambucano with a 2-0 win over Maguary thanks to Paulo Sérgio, Juventude and Ypiranga shared the points in a 1-1 Gaúchão draw, and CRB edged CSE 1-0 in their Alagoano opener.
For fans and local communities, these results matter beyond the final score. They show which squads are match-ready, which coaches are prioritizing fitness or experimentation, and where early momentum could translate into confidence for the long Série B grind. Games against top-tier opposition like Corinthians and Santos also serve as reality checks for tactical resilience and squad depth.
Our two cents? Track starting XIs and minutes for key players over the next two rounds, early rotation patterns will tell you who’s being prepared for the promotion race and who’s being sheltered. If your club used youth or mixed squads, expect lineups to tighten as state leagues progress and the national season approaches; ticket demand and local rivalries will follow.
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