The 1976 edition of the Campeonato Carioca kicked off on March 13, 1976 and ended on October 3, 1976.
It was organized by FCF (Federação Carioca de Futebol, or Carioca Football Federation).
This was the first edition of the championship after the incorporation of Guanabara state by Rio de Janeiro, and as such, the habitual twelve teams were joined by three invitees from the Fluminense championship: Americano, Goytacaz and Volta Redonda, with these being the first teams from outside Rio de Janeiro city to participate in the Carioca championship ever since Canto do Rio had left the league in 1964.
Fluminense won the title for the 23rd time.
[1][2] The tournament would be divided in four stages:[2][1]