Brazil has made a significant change ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, parting ways with head coach Dorival Junior following a 4-1 defeat against Argentina in World Cup qualifying, a record historic loss in qualifiers. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the decision after a meeting between CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues and Dorival.

“The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Júnior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team,” the CBF stated. “The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”

With just over a year until the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Brazil is also considering potential successors. Options include Filipe Luis, current head coach of Flamengo, who faced suggestions from Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista that he should remain focused on his club duties rather than taking the national team reins.

As Brazil seeks to rebuild and improve, they will need to secure a new coach before facing Ecuador in June, making every day crucial in their preparations for the tournament.