Grêmio are the first finalists of the 2026 Copa do Brasil

Grêmio are the first finalists of the 2026 Copa do Brasil Credits: LUCAS UEBEL/GREMIO FBPA

Grêmio drew 1–1 with Atlético-MG this Saturday (7) at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte to reach the 2026 Copa do Brasil final. Having won the first leg 2–0 in Porto Alegre, the result in the Minas Gerais capital was enough to secure the team from Rio Grande do Sul a place in the final.

Atlético-MG, who needed to win by at least two goals to force a penalty shootout, pressed from the start and opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike from left-back Renan Lodi in the 26th minute. Around ten minutes later, striker Carlos Vinicius equalized for Grêmio, who also benefited from an excellent performance by goalkeeper Weverton.

Grêmio will contest the Copa do Brasil final for the tenth time in their history and await the outcome of the tie between Vasco and Palmeiras, who meet this Sunday (8) at 5 p.m. (Brasília time) at São Januário in Rio. Palmeiras hold a 1–0 lead.

Whether they face Vasco or Palmeiras, the team from Rio Grande do Sul will be seeking their sixth title in the competition, which would put them level with Cruzeiro as the most successful club in Copa do Brasil history. They currently have five titles: 1989, 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2016. Reaching the final guarantees Grêmio at least a place in the preliminary rounds of the 2027 CONMEBOL Libertadores, the berth awarded to the runners-up. The champions will qualify for the group stage of the 2027 CONMEBOL Libertadores.

Carlos Vinicius scored Grêmio's goal in the 1–1 draw with Atlético-MG in the second leg of the 2026 Copa do Brasil semifinal Credits: LUCAS UEBEL/GREMIO FBPA