The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the dismissal of national team coach Dorival Júnior following a dismal 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina on Friday.
The match, held at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, not only marked Brazil’s worst World Cup qualifying loss but also spelled the end of Júnior’s tenure after just over a year in charge.
Dorival, 62, assumed the role of head coach in January 2024, succeeding Fernando Diniz.
Under his leadership, Brazil’s performance was a mixed bag, with the team securing seven wins, seven draws, and two losses over 16 matches.
Despite possessing talents like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, the Selecao struggled to find consistent form, culminating in their current fifth-place standing in the South American qualifiers.
The defeat to Argentina was particularly humiliating, as it represented Brazil’s first back-to-back losses in World Cup qualifiers since the 1960s.
The goals from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone highlighted the disparity between the two South American giants.
In the aftermath, CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues expressed regret over the decision but emphasized the necessity for change.
The federation is now on the hunt for a new coach to steer Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign back on track.
Speculation points to potential candidates, including Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Jorge Jesus of Al Hilal, with the latter being a frontrunner due to his successful stint with Flamengo, where he clinched the Copa Libertadores in 2019.
