Image Credit: @CBF_Futebol / X

Dorival Junior Fired: Who Will Become Brazil Team’s Next Head Coach?

Dorival Junior finished his tenure with a record of seven wins, six draws, and three defeats from 16 matches.

Image Credit: @CBF_Futebol / X

Brazil have sacked head coach Dorival Junior following the embarassing 4-1 defeat to fierce rivals Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) opted to part ways with Dorival after a string of disappointing results, including five losses in 14 qualifiers. The CBF confirmed his departure in a brief statement, wishing him well for the future.

Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the South American standings for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With the top six teams earning automatic qualification, they still remain in a strong position to secure a spot at the tournament.

NOTA OFICIAL 🇧🇷

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol informa que o técnico Dorival Júnior não comanda mais a Seleção Brasileira. A direção agradece ao profissional e deseja sucesso na continuidade de sua carreira. A partir de agora, a CBF vai trabalhar em busca do substituto.… pic.twitter.com/CVbTAOaYPQ
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 28, 2025

Dorival took over the national team in January 2024 and had previously coached several top clubs across Brazil. He made an impressive start with a 1-0 win over England at Wembley in a friendly. Dorival finished his tenure with a record of seven wins, six draws, and three defeats from 16 matches.

Who Will Become Brazil Team’s Next Head Coach?

Dorival Junior’s sacking marks the fourth managerial change for the Selecao since December 2022, when long-time head coach Tite stepped down. He was initially replaced by interim managers Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz before Dorival took over the reins in January 2024. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is now back in the hunt for a new head coach ahead of the crucial final stages of their World Cup qualification campaign.

Reports in the Brazilian media suggest that Al-Hilal’s Portuguese boss Jorge Jesus has emerged as the frontrunner for the role. Jesus is well-respected in Brazil and is seen as someone who could inject fresh energy into a struggling squad.

Jesus is reportedly open to managing the Brazil national team but has requested to take charge only after Al Hilal’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign in June. Currently under contract with the Saudi club until the season’s end, Jesus wants to honor his commitment as Al Hilal prepare to face Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Salzburg in Group E of the tournament.

Also Read: “I’m Under Contract At Real Madrid” – Carlo Ancelotti Dismisses Talks of Brazil Coaching Job

In addition to Jorge Jesus, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has also emerged as a potential candidate to take over the Brazil national team, according to The Athletic. The Brazilian Football Confederation had previously attempted to bring Ancelotti to take over the team before ultimately settling on Dorival. However, with Ancelotti firmly focused on his duties in Spain with Real Madrid, the chances of a deal remain uncertain.

Argentina vs Brazil

Brazil National Team

Carlo Ancelotti

Dorival Junior

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.