Brazil have parted ways with head coach Dorival Junior following a crushing 4-1 defeat to fierce rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The heavy loss proved to be the final straw for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), leading to the manager’s dismissal.
The 62-year-old had only been in charge of the Seleção since January 2024 but failed to win over fans and officials during a turbulent 14-month spell. Despite Brazil still occupying fourth place in the South American qualifying table enough to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup a string of underwhelming performances, combined with five losses in 14 qualifiers, ultimately sealed his fate.
Dorival’s tenure started on a high note with a promising debut, as Brazil claimed a 1-0 victory over England in a high-profile friendly at Wembley in March 2024. However, his overall record in charge seven wins, six draws, and three defeats in 16 matches failed to inspire confidence. The nature of those defeats, especially the lackluster showing against reigning world champions Argentina, fueled frustration among fans and pundits alike.
In a brief statement, the CBF confirmed Dorival’s departure, stating that the federation would immediately begin the search for a new head coach.
Brazil’s struggles under Dorival highlighted a deeper issue once the dominant force in South American football, the five-time world champions have been unable to find their rhythm and identity in recent years. Many criticized his tactical approach, particularly his reliance on aging players and inconsistent squad selections, which led to erratic performances on the pitch.
Despite his strong managerial credentials including leading Flamengo to the 2022 Copa Libertadores title Dorival never fully imposed his vision on the national team setup. Speaking to Brazilian media after his dismissal, he expressed his respect for the federation’s decision, stating that coaching the national team had been an honor and that he would leave with his head held high.
Attention now turns to his potential successor. Reports suggest that former Flamengo and current Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus is the frontrunner for the job. The CBF had previously attempted to secure the services of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti before ultimately appointing Dorival. However, fresh reports indicate that Brazil may once again explore the possibility of bringing Ancelotti on board ahead of the 2026 World Cup a move that would likely generate excitement among the fanbase.
Regardless of who takes the helm next, the expectations will be immense. The next coach will face the daunting task of restoring Brazil’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of world football.
