​Fortaleza is aiming to rebound and return to Brazil’s top division after a challenging season that unfolded with mixed fortunes for the clubs relegated from Série A in 2025. At the moment, Fortaleza sits in fourth place in Série B with 28 points, making them the best of the four relegated sides. If the season ended now, Leão do Pici would still need to compete in a promotion playoff to secure a place back in Série A.
Juventude is in a similar boat, occupying sixth place with 26 points. In the 2026 Série B format, the two teams with the most points at the end of the home-and-away schedule will be promoted directly to Série A in 2027, while the remaining two promotion spots will be decided through playoffs involving the teams finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. Thus, Juventude’s scenario mirrors Fortaleza’s in its need to push for the playoffs or direct promotion, depending on how the standings evolve.
Sport sits just outside the coveted G6 in eighth place with 25 points, keeping hopes alive of a swift ascent back to the top flight. Their path to promotion will require consistent results and a push to climb into the direct promotion or playoff positions.
Ceará, however, has encountered more trouble this season. Positioned 17th and firmly in the relegation zone with 17 points, the Vozão still has a mathematical chance to reach the G6, but first they must focus on climbing away from the danger zone and collecting points to stabilize their campaign.
For those tracking the action, here are the Week 17 fixtures. On Wednesday, August 8, Ponte Preta hosts Criciúma in a 1-2 result that favors Criciúma. On Friday, August 10, Juventude will welcome Vila Nova at 7 p.m. at Alfredo Jaconi, while Sport faces Botafogo-SP at 8 p.m. at Ilha do Retiro. Sunday, August 12, features Operário-PR versus Novorizontino at 11 a.m. at Germano Krüger, São Bernardo hosting Cuiabá at 4 p.m. at Primeiro de Maio, Avaí playing Náutico at 4 p.m. at Ressacada, and Atlético-GO taking on Fortaleza at 6 p.m. at Antônio Accioly, followed by CRB versus Goiás at 7 p.m. at Rei Pelé. On Monday, August 13, América-MG meets Londrina at 7 p.m. at Independência, and Ceará challenges Athletic at 8:30 p.m. at Presidente Vargas.
This article was translated into English using Artificial Intelligence. The original version in Portuguese can be read here for reference. The ongoing storyline highlights Fortaleza’s best standing among the relegated clubs and their continued pursuit of promotion, with Juventude close behind and Sport hoping to break into the upper tier, while Ceará battles to move away from the bottom and toward safety and potential glory in the ensuing fixtures.