In a dramatic shake-up, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Friday, March 28, 2025, that Dorival Júnior has been dismissed as the head coach of the Brazilian national team. This decision follows a disappointing 4-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, a match that intensified scrutiny on Dorival's tenure.
Dorival, who took the reins in early 2024, was brought in to replace Fernando Diniz amid high expectations. However, his time in charge has been a mixed bag, with a record of seven wins, seven draws, and two losses across 16 matches, yielding a success rate of 58.3%. Under his guidance, the team scored 25 goals but also conceded 17, leaving fans and officials alike questioning the direction of the squad.
The defeat to Argentina, a fierce rival, was the final straw for the CBF, which has been grappling with growing discontent over the team's performances. Earlier draws against Venezuela and Uruguay, coupled with a lackluster showing at the Copa América—where Brazil exited in the quarterfinals after a loss to Uruguay—further fueled doubts about Dorival's effectiveness as coach.
"The performances without brilliance of the national team and the draws against the likes of Venezuela and Uruguay, alongside a poor Copa América campaign, increased the distrust about Dorival Júnior's work," noted a source familiar with the situation.
As the CBF begins its search for a new head coach, several names have emerged as potential successors. Carlo Ancelotti, currently at Real Madrid, is considered a frontrunner, although his availability remains uncertain. Other candidates include Jorge Jesus, who is currently managing Al Hilal, and Filipe Luís, who has garnered attention for his impressive work with Flamengo. Abel Ferreira of Palmeiras is also in the mix, albeit with less internal support.
The CBF released a statement thanking Dorival for his contributions and wishing him success in his future endeavors. "The direction thanks the professional and wishes success in the continuation of his career. From now on, the CBF will work on finding a replacement," the statement read.
As the national team looks to rebound, they have crucial matches on the horizon. Brazil is set to face Ecuador away on June 4, 2025, followed by a home match against Paraguay on June 9, 2025. These games are pivotal as they continue their campaign in the World Cup qualifiers, and the new coach will need to hit the ground running to secure Brazil's place in the tournament.
In the wake of Dorival's departure, a poll has been launched asking fans who they would like to see as the new head coach. With over 386,733 votes cast as of March 28, 2025, the poll reflects the passionate opinions of Brazilian football supporters eager for a turnaround.
The upcoming matches against Ecuador and Paraguay will not only test the players but also the new coaching staff as they aim to restore Brazil's reputation on the international stage. The pressure is on to deliver results and reclaim the confidence of fans who have seen their team struggle in recent months.
As the CBF navigates this transition, the focus will be on finding a coach who can harness the immense talent within the squad and lead Brazil back to the heights of world football. With the World Cup just around the corner, the stakes have never been higher for the Seleção.
