SAO PAULO (Interstat) — Corinthians Women, the reigning champions of Brazil, will open their title defense at home against Ceará on Sunday to kick off the 2026 Brasileiro Women’s season.

The match at Neo Química Arena is scheduled for 4 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).

Timão enters as the overwhelming favorite, carrying both the momentum of a championship pedigree and a dominant recent record. They concluded their previous campaign with a 1-0 victory over Santos on Sept. 20, 2025. According to Interstat’s ELO rating system, Corinthians boasts a 97.90% probability of securing a win to start the new season.

In contrast, Ceará faces a steep challenge. The visitors are coming off a lengthy competitive hiatus, with their most recent recorded match a 3-0 defeat to Clube Atlético Piauiense on June 15, 2025. The team will look to shake off any rust and find an early foothold in the league against the nation’s top side.

Despite the lopsided projections, Interstat’s game simulator predicts a tightly contested affair, forecasting a 1-1 draw. This suggests Ceará may focus on a defensive structure to frustrate the hosts’ attack.

The season opener will set the tone for both clubs’ pursuits. A victory for Corinthians would immediately assert their continued dominance, while a positive result for Ceará would be a monumental upset to build upon.

Following the opener, both teams have a week off before resuming league play on Jan. 25. Corinthians will hit the road to face Kindermann-Avaí, while Ceará will travel to take on Real Ariquemes.

The 2026 Brasileiro Women’s season features 16 clubs competing in a double-round robin format, with the champion crowned in September.