Brazil have officially parted ways with their head coach, Dorival Junior, following a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers. The decision marks a turning point for the five-time World Cup champions, who have struggled to find consistency under the experienced Brazilian manager.
Brazil’s Position in World Cup Qualifying
The defeat against Argentina has left Brazil in a vulnerable position. Although they sit fourth in the South American qualification standings, their five losses in 14 games raise concerns about their overall form. Despite the setbacks, Brazil remains on track to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil’s Performance in the South American Qualifiers
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Argentina | 14 | 10 | 2 | 2 | +20 | 32 |
| 2nd | Uruguay | 14 | 9 | 2 | 3 | +15 | 29 |
| 3rd | Colombia | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | +10 | 28 |
| 4th | Brazil | 14 | 7 | 2 | 5 | +8 | 23 |
| 5th | Ecuador | 14 | 6 | 4 | 4 | +6 | 22 |
Brazil’s recent struggles, including three defeats in their last five matches, have put pressure on the coaching staff and players alike.
Dorival Junior’s Tenure with Brazil
Dorival Junior took over the Brazilian national team in January 2024, stepping into the role after Brazil’s unsuccessful attempt to hire Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid. The 62-year-old coach had a wealth of experience managing clubs in Brazil, including Flamengo, São Paulo, and Palmeiras, but lacked international coaching experience.
Dorival Junior’s Record as Brazil Coach
| Matches Managed | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win Percentage |
| 16 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 43.75% |
Dorival’s debut match was a 1-0 friendly victory against England at Wembley in March 2024. However, despite some positive performances, his inability to guide Brazil to consistent wins against top-tier teams led to his dismissal.
The CBF’s Official Statement
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Dorival Junior’s departure with a brief statement, thanking him for his services and announcing their search for a replacement.
“The board wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”
The CBF is now under pressure to appoint a new head coach who can stabilize the team and prepare them for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Potential Candidates to Replace Dorival Junior
The Brazilian media has reported that Al-Hilal’s Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, is the leading candidate for the role. Jesus, who previously managed Flamengo and won the Copa Libertadores in 2019, has extensive experience working with Brazilian players.
Other Possible Candidates
| Name | Current Club | Nationality | Notable Achievements |
| Jorge Jesus | Al-Hilal | Portuguese | Copa Libertadores Winner 2019 |
| Fernando Diniz | Fluminense | Brazilian | Copa Libertadores Winner 2023 |
| Abel Ferreira | Palmeiras | Portuguese | 2x Copa Libertadores Winner |
| Tite | Free Agent | Brazilian | 2019 Copa America Winner |
| Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid | Italian | Multiple UEFA Champions League Titles |
Brazil previously attempted to appoint Carlo Ancelotti, but the Real Madrid boss declined the offer. However, reports indicate that Brazil may reignite their pursuit of Ancelotti before the 2026 World Cup.
The Future of Brazil’s National Team
With the Copa America 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Brazil must find a coach capable of maximizing their star-studded squad. The next manager will need to build a cohesive team, improve defensive weaknesses, and restore Brazil’s dominance in South American football.
Key Challenges for the Next Coach
- Defensive Stability – Brazil conceded too many goals in crucial matches.
- Tactical Consistency – Finding a balanced system that maximizes the team’s strengths.
- Big-Game Performance – Winning matches against top teams like Argentina and Uruguay.
- Squad Selection – Integrating young talents with experienced players.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Brazil’s road to World Cup 2026, and fans eagerly await the CBF’s decision on the next head coach.
