In the lead-up to the first match of the 2026 Cearense Championship between local rivals Ceará and Fortaleza, violence erupted among fans in various neighborhoods of Fortaleza. Reports indicate that the clashes took place in areas including Barra do Ceará, Edson Queiroz, and Castelão, resulting in more than 180 people, including both adults and minors, being taken into custody. Eyewitness accounts and video footage have shown intense fighting among supporters, with groups of fans exchanging punches and kicks in public spaces.

The violent confrontations not only involved dueling factions of Fortaleza supporters but also saw fans of Ceará engaging in altercations amongst themselves. This highlights the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the match, exacerbated by longstanding rivalries between the clubs. Some of the footage documented particularly violent incidents, with individuals brutally assaulting others, leaving one victim enduring continued aggression even after falling to the ground.

Authorities, including the police, intervened to disperse the groups, attempting to restore order. However, the events raise significant concerns regarding fan violence in Brazilian football and the challenges that local law enforcement faces in managing such situations. As the excitement for the match builds, the incidents underscore the underlying tension and hostility that can erupt in the fervent world of Brazilian football fan culture.