The 2026 Campeonato Mineiro heats up this Saturday as powerhouse Cruzeiro prepares to face Uberlândia Esporte Clube at the iconic Mineirão Stadium. This pivotal third-round fixture offers Cruzeiro a chance to solidify their lead in Group C, while Uberlândia searches for their first victory of the campaign.
Cruzeiro enters the match riding a wave of momentum, coming off a crucial 2-1 away victory against Tombense in the previous round. Coach Tite’s squad currently sits atop their group standings and is eager to establish a commanding lead early in the state tournament. For the Raposa faithful, expectations are high, especially as the team unveils its expected starting lineup for the first time in the competition.
Where to Watch and Match Details
Football enthusiasts across the US and globally can catch the action. The Cruzeiro vs. Uberlândia match is scheduled for 6:30 PM (Brasília time) this Saturday. For viewers in Brazil, the game will be broadcast live exclusively on Premiere. Streaming options include ge.globo and Globoplay, ensuring comprehensive coverage for dedicated fans.
The ge platform will also provide real-time updates, complete with exclusive video highlights throughout the match, allowing followers to stay connected even without a live feed.
Cruzeiro: Starters Return for Mineiro Push
For Cruzeiro, this game marks a significant shift. After utilizing alternative squads for the first two rounds, Coach Tite is set to deploy his primary starting XI. This will be the first look at the core team that spent much of the 2025 season under former manager Leonardo Jardim, albeit with minor adjustments.
Lineup Insights and Injury Updates
The defensive structure looks solid, featuring Cássio in goal, supported by William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus (stepping in for the recovering Villalba, who nurses an ankle injury), and Kaiki.
In midfield, the dynamic trio of Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, and Matheus Pereira will control the tempo. A key decision for Tite revolves around the flanks: Christian or Wanderson could feature, depending on Tite’s preference for wide, agile players.
The attack is expected to be led by the partnership of Arroyo and Kaio Jorge. While the team has no players currently suspended, several key figures remain sidelined due to fitness concerns, including Gerson (awaiting BID registration), Villarreal (physical conditioning), and the aforementioned Villalba.
Probable Cruzeiro XI: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian (Wanderson), Matheus Pereira; Arroyo, Kaio Jorge.
Uberlândia: Seeking First Victory
Uberlândia, known as the “Verdão,” is in a more challenging position, having drawn both of their opening fixtures. They kicked off the campaign with a goalless draw at home against Tombense, followed by a 1-1 stalemate on the road against Betim.
Uberlândia’s Tactical Considerations
Coach Jorge Castilho has the luxury of a relatively healthy squad, with no new suspensions reported. This stability might lead to a repeat of the lineup used against Betim, though changes are certainly on the table.
One area ripe for alteration is the attack. Ingro, who came off the bench to earn the penalty that secured their last draw, is mounting a serious case for a starting berth. Furthermore, midfield options have expanded with the return of Dudu Albaceta and Geovane from injury. Dudu already saw action last week, while Geovane traveled with the squad to Belo Horizonte, providing Castilho with greater tactical flexibility.
Probable Uberlândia XI: Jefferson; Yuri Ferraz, Renan, Rayne, Nathan; Diego Fumaça, Jonatas Paulista (Dudu), Rafael Conceição (Ingro); Robinho, Juan Carlos, Júlio Rodrigues.
Refereeing Crew Appointed
The fixture will be overseen by a dedicated team to ensure fair play. André Luiz Skettino Policarpo Bento is appointed as the main referee. He will be assisted by Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira and Samuel Henrique Soares Silva. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Leonardo Rotondo Pinto, with Alexander Medeiros Xavier serving as the fourth official.
Context in the State Championship Landscape
The Campeonato Mineiro remains a fiercely competitive regional tournament, often serving as crucial preparation for the national Série A and B campaigns later in the year. For Cruzeiro, maintaining a perfect record, even with reserve players initially, signals strong squad depth and managerial control under Tite. A win here would not only boost morale but also create a tangible gap between them and the chasing pack, including Uberlândia, who desperately need three points to climb the table and avoid falling too far behind in the qualification race.
Fans anticipate an energetic contest at the Mineirão, where Cruzeiro’s returning stars will look to dominate possession against a resilient Uberlândia side keen to prove they can compete with the state’s elite.
