The four worst placed teams in the first stage, which are Bangu, Santa Cruz, Criciúma and América-RJ, were relegated to the following year's second level.

The worst placed team in each one of the four groups in the first stage, which are Treze, Rio Branco-ES, Uberlândia, and Pelotas, were relegated to the following year's third level.

União São João declared as the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C champions by aggregate score of 3-3 due to better season record.

The following table lists all the games played by the Brazil national football team in official competitions and friendly matches during 1988.

The following table lists all the games played by the Brazil women's national football team in official competitions and friendly matches during 1988.