.World Simulation
Nacional, Peñarol, and Chapecoense Express Interest in Playing the 2026 Gauchão
3 months ago - 4/6/2025 5:59 PM GMT-3
Historic clubs want to join the state championship; Juventude, Grêmio, and Internacional support the innovative idea
A surprising development has shaken up the football scene in southern Brazil this week: Uruguayan giants Nacional and Peñarol, alongside Brazil’s traditional Chapecoense, have officially expressed interest in playing in the 2026 Campeonato Gaúcho. The bold proposal could revolutionize one of Brazil’s most traditional state championships.
The three clubs submitted a joint letter to the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF) requesting an analysis of their possible inclusion as guest teams, aiming to raise the competition’s technical level and international reach.
> "Football is increasingly global. We want to participate in a strong competition with a rich tradition of passionate fans and historic rivalries," said Eduardo Ache, a representative from Nacional, during a press conference in Montevideo.
Peñarol's president, Ignacio Ruglio, reinforced:
> "We have deep admiration for football in Rio Grande do Sul. Playing the Gauchão would reconnect the historical bond between Uruguay and southern Brazil — two peoples who live and breathe football."
Chapecoense, from Santa Catarina, also showed excitement about the idea.
> "Our goal is to seek new experiences, and the Gauchão offers a wonderful opportunity to face historic clubs and reengage our fans with major challenges," said Márcio Andreazza, the club's president.
---
Support from the Big Clubs of Rio Grande do Sul
The proposal quickly gained backing from the state’s major clubs. In a joint statement, the presidents of Juventude, Grêmio, and Internacional expressed their support for the initiative.
Alberto Guerra, Grêmio’s president, said:
> "The participation of Nacional and Peñarol would bring worldwide visibility to the Gauchão. This is a historic opportunity that we must embrace."
Alessandro Barcellos, Internacional’s president, agreed:
> "Imagine a Grenal (Grêmio vs. Inter derby) followed by a match against Peñarol or Nacional? It would be fantastic for our brand and for the fans."
Walter Dal Zotto Jr, president of Juventude, also expressed support:
> "We are open to new experiences. It would be a huge showcase for all clubs involved."
---
Response from the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol
The Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF) issued an official statement this morning. In a note signed by president Luciano Hocsman, the federation said it "welcomes the proposal" but stressed that it would require technical and legal evaluations.
> "We are currently analyzing the sporting and legal feasibility. It’s an extremely innovative idea, but we must respect national and international regulations. If there is consensus among clubs, the federation, and the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), we will work to make this historic project a reality," stated Hocsman.
Negotiations are expected to continue over the next few months, with the possibility of an extraordinary assembly to deliberate on the matter.
A surprising development has shaken up the football scene in southern Brazil this week: Uruguayan giants Nacional and Peñarol, alongside Brazil’s traditional Chapecoense, have officially expressed interest in playing in the 2026 Campeonato Gaúcho. The bold proposal could revolutionize one of Brazil’s most traditional state championships.
The three clubs submitted a joint letter to the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF) requesting an analysis of their possible inclusion as guest teams, aiming to raise the competition’s technical level and international reach.
> "Football is increasingly global. We want to participate in a strong competition with a rich tradition of passionate fans and historic rivalries," said Eduardo Ache, a representative from Nacional, during a press conference in Montevideo.
Peñarol's president, Ignacio Ruglio, reinforced:
> "We have deep admiration for football in Rio Grande do Sul. Playing the Gauchão would reconnect the historical bond between Uruguay and southern Brazil — two peoples who live and breathe football."
Chapecoense, from Santa Catarina, also showed excitement about the idea.
> "Our goal is to seek new experiences, and the Gauchão offers a wonderful opportunity to face historic clubs and reengage our fans with major challenges," said Márcio Andreazza, the club's president.
---
Support from the Big Clubs of Rio Grande do Sul
The proposal quickly gained backing from the state’s major clubs. In a joint statement, the presidents of Juventude, Grêmio, and Internacional expressed their support for the initiative.
Alberto Guerra, Grêmio’s president, said:
> "The participation of Nacional and Peñarol would bring worldwide visibility to the Gauchão. This is a historic opportunity that we must embrace."
Alessandro Barcellos, Internacional’s president, agreed:
> "Imagine a Grenal (Grêmio vs. Inter derby) followed by a match against Peñarol or Nacional? It would be fantastic for our brand and for the fans."
Walter Dal Zotto Jr, president of Juventude, also expressed support:
> "We are open to new experiences. It would be a huge showcase for all clubs involved."
---
Response from the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol
The Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF) issued an official statement this morning. In a note signed by president Luciano Hocsman, the federation said it "welcomes the proposal" but stressed that it would require technical and legal evaluations.
> "We are currently analyzing the sporting and legal feasibility. It’s an extremely innovative idea, but we must respect national and international regulations. If there is consensus among clubs, the federation, and the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), we will work to make this historic project a reality," stated Hocsman.
Negotiations are expected to continue over the next few months, with the possibility of an extraordinary assembly to deliberate on the matter.
Try Challenge Place app
A complete multiplatform system to make your life easier!
