It was contested by 64 clubs, either qualified through their respective state championships (54) or by the CBF Rankings (10).

Clubs that qualified for the 2010 Copa Libertadores did not take part because of scheduling conflicts.

The competition is a single elimination knockout tournament featuring two-legged ties.

[1] Criteria may vary, but usually state federations indicate clubs with best records in the state championships or other special competitions organized by such institutions.

[2] Teams that play in their home stadium in the first leg are marked with †.