Brazil’s national football team finds itself at a critical juncture, having parted ways with head coach Dorival Júnior following their crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Dorival’s dismissal on Friday, marking the end of a turbulent tenure for the 62-year-old manager.
A Disappointing Tenure
Dorival Júnior took over the reins of the national team in January 2024 after the CBF failed in their attempts to recruit Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid. His appointment followed a year in which Brazil was led by two caretaker coaches, and expectations were high after Dorival’s success in club football. Having won the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Cup with Flamengo in 2022, and lifting the Brazilian Cup again with São Paulo, he was seen as a solid choice to revive Brazil’s fortunes on the international stage.
However, Dorival struggled to find his footing with the national team. During his 16 games in charge, Brazil won only seven, leading to growing dissatisfaction among fans and pundits alike. Brazil’s early exit from the Copa América in 2024, where they were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals, further dented his credibility. Despite these setbacks, the CBF initially decided to give Dorival more time, planning to reassess his future after the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June 2025.
A Record-Breaking Defeat
The humiliating loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires, however, proved to be the final straw. Brazil’s 4-1 defeat was their worst-ever result in a World Cup qualifier, prompting immediate action from CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the South American qualifiers with 21 points, just one point above Colombia, who hold the final automatic qualification spot. This precarious position adds further pressure on the national team as they face an uphill battle to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.
A Broader Decline
Dorival’s sacking comes amid Brazil’s worst World Cup qualifying campaign in history. The team has lost five of their 14 games and conceded 16 goals—a far cry from the dominance Brazil is accustomed to in South America. Their struggles began in late 2023 when they suffered their first-ever home loss in a World Cup qualifier, falling 1-0 to Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium. This was followed by defeats to Colombia, Uruguay, and even non-South American teams like Morocco and Senegal, marking the first time Brazil had ever lost to an African nation.
What’s Next for Brazil?
The search for a new head coach is now underway, with the CBF likely to revisit their interest in Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian tactician remains a top target, though securing his services from Real Madrid could prove just as challenging as before. Whoever takes the role will inherit a team underperforming on the biggest stage, with a demanding fan base and a pressing need for results as Brazil eyes qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
As Brazil faces this transitional period, the focus is not just on the results but on restoring the pride and dominance that once defined the Seleção. With only a few games left in the qualifying campaign, the pressure is on to turn things around quickly and secure a ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In the words of CBF’s statement, “The management thanks [Dorival] and wishes him success in continuing his career.” But for Brazil, the clock is ticking, and a new era must begin swiftly to avoid further disappointments on the road to 2026.
.jpg "Brazil abandons Ancelotti, turns to Jorge Jesus for Historic Appointment")
