The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially fired Dorival Júnior following Brazil’s crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a critical World Cup qualifier. This marks the abrupt end of his tenure as national team manager, which lasted just over a year.
With his departure, Brazil now finds itself in search of a new head coach for the fourth time since the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as they continue to grapple with inconsistency and struggles on the international stage.
Dorival Júnior’s Short-Lived and Uneven Reign
Appointed in January 2024, the 62-year-old manager was entrusted with the task of revitalizing Brazil’s national team after a disappointing World Cup campaign. In his 16 matches in charge, he recorded seven wins, six draws, and three losses.
His tenure began with a promising 1-0 victory over England at Wembley, signaling potential growth under his leadership. However, Brazil struggled to establish dominance, often appearing disorganized and failing to control games effectively.
Despite Brazil sitting in fourth place in the South American qualifiers, the humiliating loss to Argentina proved to be the breaking point. With Argentina already securing their place at the World Cup, Brazil’s struggles under Dorival Júnior made it clear that change was needed.
"The board wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement," read a brief official statement from the CBF, confirming Dorival Júnior’s dismissal.
Brazil’s Post-World Cup Downfall
Since their quarter-final exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Brazil has endured a sharp decline. Their record since then stands at nine wins, eight draws, and six losses—a disappointing run for a nation with such a rich footballing history.
The latest defeat against Argentina exposed multiple tactical shortcomings. Brazil lacked fluidity in midfield, struggled to establish control over the game, and found themselves overwhelmed defensively. The team’s inability to recover from setbacks only added to the frustration of fans and pundits alike.
Brazil’s defensive frailties, a lack of consistent attacking threat, and a disjointed midfield have been persistent issues since their exit in Qatar 2022. The recent loss further highlighted these vulnerabilities, forcing the CBF to make a drastic decision.
Who Will Replace Dorival Júnior?
The race to find Brazil’s next head coach is already underway, with multiple high-profile names being linked to the role. Brazilian media reports suggest that Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the national team.
Before hiring Dorival Júnior, the CBF was keen on securing the services of Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti. Reports indicate that Brazil may once again approach the Italian manager in hopes of convincing him to take charge ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Other potential candidates include Flamengo’s Tite, who previously managed the national team, and former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. However, negotiations are still in the early stages, and the CBF remains tight-lipped about its preferred choice.
What Lies Ahead for Brazil?
Despite their recent struggles, Brazil is still expected to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded format ensures that six South American teams will qualify automatically, easing some pressure on the national team.
However, simply qualifying is not enough for a team of Brazil’s stature. The Seleção must regain their identity, reestablish themselves as a dominant force in world football, and build a team capable of challenging for the ultimate prize.
The appointment of the next manager will be crucial in determining Brazil’s path forward. Will Jorge Jesus be given the reins? Will Ancelotti reconsider? Or will the CBF take a completely different approach in their search for a new leader?
The coming weeks will be decisive, and Brazilian football fans will be watching closely as the national team embarks on yet another managerial transition in t
heir quest to reclaim former glory.
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