Football fans across Brazil are gearing up for a compelling matchup as Sao Paulo FC takes on Portuguesa at the iconic Morumbi Stadium. This clash, scheduled for the fourth round of the Campeonato Paulista 2026, promises intrigue as both teams seek to solidify their positions in the competition.
Setting the Stage: Paulistao Round 4
The Campeonato Paulista, the premier state championship in Sao Paulo, is heating up. After three rounds, teams are beginning to find their rhythm, while others are still searching for consistency. The upcoming encounter between the Tricolor and the Lusa falls on a Wednesday night, a time when the electric atmosphere of Brazilian football is typically palpable.
For American audiences interested in the vibrant world of Brazilian soccer, this match offers a glimpse into the tactical battles and passionate support that define the Paulistao.
Team Form and Motivation
Sao Paulo FC: Seeking Consistency Under Crespo
Sao Paulo, currently sitting with four points from three matches, is experiencing a mixed start under head coach Hernan Crespo. The journey began with a tough defeat against Mirassol in the opening round. However, the team showed resilience by securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Sao Bernardo at home. This win was followed by a 1-1 draw against fierce rivals Corinthians in a tightly contested derby.
While the points are accumulating, the consistency desired by Crespo remains elusive. The upcoming match against Portuguesa presents an opportunity for the Tricolor to build momentum before a potentially decisive showdown against Palmeiras. According to reports, Crespo is likely to make significant changes to the starting lineup, resting key players who have been heavily involved in recent matches to ensure they are fresh for future challenges, particularly the clássico.
Portuguesa: Riding High After First Win
Portuguesa, managed by Fabio Matias, enters this match buoyed by their first victory of the campaign. A 2-0 win over Velo Clube in the previous round provided a much-needed boost, following earlier defeats to Palmeiras and Capivariano.
Matias is expected to maintain the core of the side that achieved this landmark win. The team will be aiming to secure back-to-back victories, a crucial step towards climbing the standings. Facing a potentially rotated Sao Paulo side could present an opportunity for Portuguesa to cause an upset on the big stage at the Morumbi.
Key Match Details
When and Where?
This eagerly awaited Paulistao clash will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 local time (Brasilia time). For American viewers, this translates to a start time of 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT.
The venue is the majestic Morumbi Stadium (Estadio do Morumbi), the home ground of Sao Paulo FC, located in the heart of Sao Paulo city.
How to Watch Live
American football enthusiasts can catch all the action through live broadcast or streaming. The match will be available on Caze TV, Record, and HBO Max for viewers in the US and Canada. These platforms offer high-quality coverage, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of this exciting encounter.
Escalações: Probable Lineups
Sao Paulo (Hernan Crespo)
Given the rotation strategy, the lineup is expected to differ from previous rounds. A probable starting XI for Sao Paulo might look like:
- Goalkeeper: Rafael
- Defenders: Cédric, Dória, Tolói, Nicolas
- Midfielders: Bobadilla, Pablo Maia, Lucas
- Forwards: Lucca, Calleri, Ferreira
Notably absent from this potential lineup are key players such as Luan, Ryan Francisco, and André Silva, who are sidelined due to injuries.
Portuguesa (Fabio Matias)
Portuguesa is likely to stick with the winning formula, with one point of uncertainty regarding the left-back position. If Gustavo Salomão is unfit, Caio Roque might take his place. There's also a competition for a midfield spot between Portuga and Hudson.
A possible starting XI for Portuguesa could be:
- Goalkeeper: Bertinato
- Defenders: João Vitor, Gustavo Henrique, Eduardo Biazus, Caio Roque (or Gustavo Salomão)
- Midfielders: Portuga (or Hudson), Zé Vitor, Gabriel Pires
- Forwards: Maceió, Ewerthon, Renê
Luckily for Matias, there are no reported absences due to injury for his squad heading into this match.
Arbitragem: Match Officials
Ensuring fair play will be a highly experienced referee team. Raphael Claus will take charge as the main referee, assisted by Alex Ang Ribeiro and Izabele de Oliveira. The fourth official will be Salim Fende Chavez. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, operated by Thiago Luis Scarascati, will also be in operation, adding another layer of officiating technology.
What to Expect
This match presents a fascinating tactical battle. Sao Paulo, despite potential rotation, will still boast quality, especially defensively. Portuguesa, buoyed by confidence, will likely adopt an attacking approach, aiming to exploit any potential gaps left by a rotated Tricolor side.
The absence of key players for Sao Paulo could be a factor, but the quality in depth under Crespo means they remain a formidable opponent. Portuguesa, on the other hand, must maintain the momentum gained from their first win and avoid falling into the Morumbi's atmosphere.
For fans in the US, tuning into this Sao Paulo vs Portuguesa clash offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the passion and skill of Brazilian football live. Keep an eye on the scores and stay updated with all the action from the Campeonato Paulista 2026.
