The Brazilian national football team's recent struggles have thrown coach Dorival Júnior's future into uncertainty, particularly following a crushing 4-1 defeat by Argentina on March 25, 2025, during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This loss marked a historic low as it was the first time Brazil has lost both encounters against Argentina in a single qualifying edition, signaling a significant drop in national pride and performance expectations.
As the team now occupies fourth place in the qualifiers, pressure mounts on Dorival, who has been criticized for his failure to develop a cohesive and competitive squad. Fans are vocal on social media platforms, demanding changes at the management level. "A seleção brasileira está ouvindo olé e tomando passeio contra a Argentina," lamented one fan, summing up the collective disappointment felt across the nation.
Amidst this turmoil, former player turned commentator Roger Flores called for decisive action from the CBF, stating during a TV Globo broadcast, "A gente precisa de uma Seleção melhor treinada, mais entrosada, com foco direcionado para o nosso time... Não temos mais tempo de espera." His plea underscored the growing urgency as Brazil approaches crucial matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.
Intriguingly, many fans and analysts are already speculating on potential successors for Dorival Júnior, with high-profile names like Carlo Ancelotti and Jorge Jesus leading the list. Ancelotti, who is under contract with Real Madrid, has expressed his desire to remain at the club amidst whispers of a coaching vacancy in Brazil. His recent achievements, including two Champions League titles, make him a coveted figure for the CBF as they look towards the 2026 World Cup cycle.
On the other hand, Jorge Jesus, who previously made waves with Flamengo, is known for his tactical acumen and ability to energize a team. His current role at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia has given him a platform to showcase his skills, yet he has hinted in the past that coaching the Brazilian national team would be a dream come true.
Moreover, even emerging talent like Filipe Luís has been mentioned among potential candidates, although he is relatively new to head coaching. Despite this, his winning record at Flamengo has generated significant enthusiasm among fans who see him as a fresh alternative to the current regime.
As the CBF grapples with these choices, Ednaldo Rodrigues, the president re-elected to lead the organization, is under pressure to act swiftly. Following a successful win against Colombia two weeks prior, which offered a brief sigh of relief, this latest defeat has reignited debates about strategy and leadership.
Social media reactions have been harsh, with fans expressing their frustrations about Dorival’s tactics. "Se o Dorival não for demitido hoje, é sacanagem," tweeted one user, encapsulating the feeling that maintaining the status quo is no longer acceptable with such looming consequences as the World Cup. Another user noted that the Brazilian team appears devoid of effective plans: "Isso diz muito sobre a capacidade tática do Dorival. É difícil ter coisas boas nas derrotas."
This sentiment reflects the broader discontent with Brazil's current standing in the World Cup qualifiers, highlighted by a success rate of only 58%. The mood among supporters is increasingly dire, with some labeling the team as the "pior seleção brasileira que já vi," emphasizing the urgent need for change.
With just over a year until the World Cup, the CBF faces an uphill battle to restore confidence and performance before the next series of qualifiers resumes. The pressing question remains whether Dorival Júnior will still be at the helm by then or if a fresh face will guide Brazil back to its footballing glory.
