Brazil’s head coach Dorival Júnior was dismissed following a disappointing loss to Argentina, marking a significant low in their World Cup qualifying campaign. This decision, announced by Brazilian Football Confederation’s President Ednaldo Rodrigues, was made just three days post the 4-1 defeat in Buenos Aires, which is Brazil’s worst loss in World Cup qualification history.

Rodrigues stated, “The confederation announces that Dorival Júnior’s cycle is over. From now on, we will work in the search for a substitute.” Amid this coaching transition, Brazil stands fifth in the South American rankings for the 2026 World Cup, with only the top six teams earning automatic qualification.

During his tenure, Júnior’s record with the national team included seven victories, seven draws, and two losses, but he managed only one win from the last four matches. The team scored 25 goals while conceding 17.

In their previous campaign at the Copa América, Brazil faced elimination in the quarter-finals against Uruguay on penalties.

Future Plans

Rodrigues has just been re-elected to continue leading the confederation until 2030 and previously expressed interest in appointing Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid for the role in the future. For the interim, Brazil’s under-20 coach Ramon Menezes has been overseeing the team, having previously hired Fernando Diniz, who was let go after a brief spell.

Local news suggests Rodrigues will again approach Ancelotti about the coaching position, while Jorge Jesus, currently with Al-Hilal, is also being considered. Either choice will mark a historic moment as they could become Brazil’s first foreign head coach.

Brazil is set to face Ecuador and Paraguay in upcoming World Cup qualifying matches in June, amidst ongoing discussions regarding the next head coach.