Corinthians vs Portuguesa
A season of tradition and transformation for Corinthians.
The 2026 season is the 117th season in the history of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, covering January to December 2026.
- Region
- São Paulo State
- Primary Competition
- Campeonato Paulista
- First Encounter Era
- Early 1920s
- Historic Venues
- Pacaembu, Morumbi, Estádio do Canindé
- Nicknames Involved
- Timão vs Lusa
- Status
- Historic Derby
Lore & Background
Corinthians came off a successful campaign by achieving a national double after winning the Copa do Brasil (fourth overall) and state league (31st overall). The club made its return to the Supercopa do Brasil, as the competition was not held between 1992 and 2019.
In Their Own Story
The air smelled of grass and rain as thousands of voices roared for the black-and-white stripes against the white, red, and blue. A midfielder dribbled past the halfway line, eyes locked on the goal. Every pass was contested fiercely; every tackle drew gasps from the terraces. In that moment, trophies didn't matter—only the pride of wearing the shirt.
Reader's Guide
The season marked the first major change in years at the Brazilian football calendar. The Brasileirão started in January, before the end of the state leagues. The Copa do Brasil was restructured to feature more teams, with all clubs from the Série A joining later than usual, and its final match in a neutral venue. The state leagues had a major reduction in matchdays.
Did You Know?
- On 23 December 2025, Fabinho Soldado resigned as football executive director via mutual agreement.
- On 13 April, Júlio César, who joined the club's youth squad as a goalkeeper in 2002 and played for the club between 2005 and 2014, was announced as the new football manager.
- The home kit for 2026 pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the 'Corinthian Invasion' in 1976, when thousands of fans traveled from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro.
- The away kit features a classic black design with white stripes, marking that layout's return since the 2023 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the rivals in the Corinthians vs Portuguesa match?
This historic derby pits Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, known as Timão, against Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, nicknamed Lusa. Both clubs represent São Paulo's working-class and immigrant communities, with roots stretching back to the early 20th century.
When did the Corinthians vs Portuguesa rivalry begin?
The two teams first met on the pitch in the early 1920s as both established themselves within the Campeonato Paulista. Their encounters quickly became frequent title deciders that defined a major era of state football.
Why is the Corinthians vs Portuguesa feud historically important?
This matchup connects two giants that dominated São Paulo's sporting landscape for decades, often determining league champions. It symbolizes a clash between clubs founded by different immigrant groups within the city's neighborhoods.
Where were classic Corinthians vs Portuguesa games played?
Fans once witnessed these intense battles at iconic venues such as Estádio do Canindé and the legendary Pacaembu Stadium. Later matches also took place at Morumbi, cementing the rivalry in some of Brazil's most famous grounds.
How does the status of Corinthians vs Portuguesa compare today?
While Corinthians grew into one of Brazil's largest clubs, the rivalry remains a respected historic fixture rather than a weekly occurrence. It is remembered as a defining chapter of São Paulo state football history from the 1920s through the late 20th century.
More in Rivalries & Feuds
Elsewhere in the Corinthians universe
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