The football world hummed with quiet anticipation this past Monday night. Fifty-six teams learned their fate in the draw for the 2025/26 Championship of Portugal. Held by the Portuguese Football Federation at Football City, this first phase sorted the clubs into four distinct battlegrounds. It’s the moment when hopes ignite and the long road begins for many.
Among the hopefuls, some big names are back in the national spotlight. Beira-Mar, a club steeped in history, landed in Series B. Naval and Oriental, two other well-known names, will compete in Series C. These teams aren’t just playing; they’re chasing a return to former glory. Then there are the four clubs looking to bounce straight back after last season’s drop from Liga 3. Vilaverdense found a home in Series A, Anadia in Series B, while Ol. Hospital and Lusitânia both landed in Series C. Their paths promise fierce competition.
The opening whistle for this exciting journey blows on August 10th. The stakes are clear for every team involved. In each of the four series, only the top two clubs will move on to the next phase, eyeing promotion. A tough reality awaits five teams in each series, as they will drop directly into local district leagues. The remaining seven clubs in each group will secure their spot for another season, avoiding the dreaded drop.
Opening Day Showdowns
The first set of matches offers some intriguing contests right out of the gate.
Series A
- Vilaverdense against Celoricense
- Camacha meets Ribeira Brava
- Machico takes on Mirandela
- Brito faces Monção
- São Martinho battles Limianos
- Vianense challenges Chaves B
- Bragança hosts Tirsense
Series B
- Anadia plays Beira-Mar
- Gouveia faces Salgueiros
- União Lamas meets Resende
- Alpendorada takes on Aparecida
- Cinfães challenges Rebordosa
- Florgrade battles Vila Real
- Vila Meã hosts Leça
Series C
- Marialvas plays V. Sernache
- Naval faces Eléctrico
- Mortágua meets Benfica C. Branco
- Fátima takes on U. Serra
- Samora Correia challenges Lusitânia
- Peniche battles Marinhense
- Lajense hosts Ol. Hospital
Series D
- Alcochetense plays Serpa
- Oriental faces C. Indústria
- Alverca B meets Moncarapachense
- Elvas takes on VG Vidigueira
- Juventude challenges Malveira
- Louletano battles Portimonense B
- Lagoa hosts Sintrense