Brazil is undergoing a transformation within its national football team after a record-setting 4-1 loss to Argentina during CONMEBOL World Cup qualification. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced that Dorival Junior has been relieved of his duties as head coach.

With a crucial World Cup looming in 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Brazil’s football authorities are now tasked with finding a new leader for the national side. The CBF’s decision followed a meeting between Ednaldo Rodrigues, the CBF president, and Junior.

The CBF expressed gratitude to Junior for his efforts and announced plans to swiftly appoint a new coach, potentially Carlo Ancelotti, who has previously been a target for the position.

The loss against Argentina not only marked Brazil’s worst qualifying result ever but also raised concerns about their chances for World Cup qualification, as they currently sit precariously in the standings just points ahead of the eighth-place team, Bolivia.

In addition to Ancelotti, Filipe Luis, head coach of Flamengo, has been noted as a possibility for the role, with his current president, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, advising against him making the move at this stage in his career.

As Brazil reflects on its talent pool, the search for a capable coach will be imperative as they prepare for upcoming matches, including a face-off against Ecuador in June.