CBF advances Série B start - Cruzeiro to open at home vs Botafogo-SP

The CBF has published the basic table for the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B and advanced the competition's kick-off, giving clubs and fans an earlier roadmap for the season. Cruzeiro will officially begin its campaign at home against Botafogo-SP in round 1, scheduled for the base dates of August 7 (Friday) or August 8 (Saturday), with final matchday times and TV windows still to be set.

The federation released a full 38-round outline that assigns base dates and possible matchday windows, typically Friday, Tuesday or Saturday, for every fixture. For Cruzeiro the first rounds are already clear in order: round 1 (7/8 or 8/8) Cruzeiro x Botafogo-SP; round 2 (11/8) Guarani-SP x Cruzeiro; round 3 (14/8 or 15/8) Figueirense x Cruzeiro; round 4 (18/8) Cruzeiro x Chapecoense. The schedule continues through round 38 with notes flagging several calendar slots that could spill into late December or the following year because of special allocations and logistical adjustments.

From the dates released, Cruzeiro has 12 confirmed matchdays on the calendar; the remaining 26 rounds are still under analysis and await desmembramentos that will set exact kickoff times and broadcast assignments. That means fans can already mark a dozen home and away fixtures, but should treat many dates as provisional until national and club channels confirm match times and transmission rights.

Practical impacts are immediate for supporters, local businesses and club operations. Season-ticket holders and fan groups can begin planning transport and accommodation for the confirmed dates, while hospitality and matchday vendors should hold flexible staffing plans for the unconfirmed rounds. For training and sports-science staff, the earlier start changes periodization and preseason timelines; players and coaches will need sharper early-season readiness if competitive matches arrive sooner than in previous years.

For broadcasters and rights holders the basic table sets the framework but not the final product: many rounds still await distribution to national broadcasters and streaming platforms, so live coverage plans remain partly open. Fans tracking specific midweek or Friday fixtures should monitor club channels for desmembramento updates that will lock kickoff times and TV windows.

The takeaway? Lock in the 12 confirmed Cruzeiro dates now but keep plans flexible for the other 26 rounds. Our two cents? Don’t book nonrefundable travel until the desmembramentos land, check club announcements before you buy a ticket or plane ticket, and use the confirmed fixtures to start building a realistic season plan for tickets, travel and tailgates.