One of the main names in Corinthians' youth team, Iago Machado is expected to get chances with Fernando Diniz in the second half of 2026. The 17-year-old center-back, who trains with the first team at the Joaquim Grava training center since the start of the season, follows the sub-20 schedule during the World Cup break, even with the first team's holidays. On Friday, he will be available for the match against Mirassol, at 15h (Brasília time), away from home, in the Paulista Championship category. Iago Machado has caught the attention of Diniz's coaching staff for his technical quality and positional awareness demonstrated on a daily basis at Corinthians. Although he has not yet made his debut for the first team, the center-back was recently called up for matches in the Brazilian Championship and the Conmebol Libertadores. Currently, Diniz has Gustavo Henrique and Gabriel Paulista as starters in defense, as well as André Ramalho and João Pedro Tchoca as options for the position. The reserves, however, have not yet consolidated and open up space for Iago to gain opportunities in the coming months. Iago Machado is one of the standout players in Corinthians' youth teams — Photo: Carlos Freitas/ Corinthians With a release clause set at 100 million euros (approximately R$ 588 million at current exchange rates), the young player received inquiries from European clubs at the beginning of the year. The Corinthians board signed a contractual addendum to adjust the defender's salary in October 2025. Iago Machado has been at Corinthians since he was six years old, having completed his entire formation at the Parque São Jorge base.