About Copa Verde

History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The Copa Verde is a knockout football competition played by Brazilian clubs. It was created in 2014 by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Initially it was planned for teams from the North and Central-West regions, but it eventually accepted teams from other locations. The name Copa Verde comes as a tribute to the Amazons and its dominant color (green).

Copa Verde is played through five stages. The first round includes sixteen teams, which qualify for the tournament based on their performances in their regional tournaments. Clubs are paired up in one-leg ties, with the winners advancing to the next round where eight seeded teams await. Once there, two-leg ties are created to determine the teams that advance to the next rounds, until two are left to play the final. Extra time and penalties are used to determine the winner in case the aggregate score is level after both games have been played.

The first editions of the Copa Verde gave the champions a spot in next year’s Copa Sudamericana. Nonetheless, CONMEBOL’s adjustments to its calendars forced CBF to think of another reward for the winners. Now, whichever team claims the title gets a third-round entry to the Copa do Brasil. Paysandu are the most successful team in Copa Verde history, having reached eight finals and having won four times.

Copa Verde is recognized around the world for its commitment to environmental causes, even earning a certificate as the first Zero Carbon competition. The Brazilian Football Confederation has also helped its cause by promoting educational contests or by exchanging PET bottles for tickets.