Brazil Fires Coach Dorival Júnior Following Disastrous World Cup Qualifier Loss

Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has dismissed head coach Dorival Júnior after 14 months in charge, following a string of underwhelming performances and a crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires. The loss marked Brazil's worst-ever defeat in a World Cup qualifier, intensifying pressure on the embattled coach.

The CBF has yet to name Júnior's successor, but speculation is mounting over potential replacements. Among the rumored candidates is Al Hilal's Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, known for his successful tenure at Flamengo. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, a long-time target for the Brazil job, reaffirmed his commitment to the Spanish giants, stating, "My contract [until June 2026] speaks for itself."

Júnior's tenure saw mixed results, with Brazil winning seven matches, drawing seven, and losing two. However, the team's recent form has been concerning, with only one victory in its last four games. Brazil currently sits fifth in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with the top six teams securing automatic qualification.

Brazil’s struggles extended beyond World Cup qualifiers. In last year’s Copa América, the team suffered an early exit in the quarterfinals, losing to Uruguay on penalties after a lackluster group-stage performance.

Rodrigues, recently re-elected as CBF president through 2030, had originally aimed to bring Ancelotti aboard but was forced to look elsewhere when the Italian extended his stay with Real Madrid. Instead, Brazil appointed Fernando Diniz as an interim solution before turning to Júnior in early 2024. Diniz was dismissed after just six matches.

Júnior, who previously guided Flamengo to a Copa Libertadores title, was expected to provide stability after Brazil’s turbulent period following their 2022 World Cup quarterfinal exit to Croatia. However, his tenure failed to produce the desired turnaround, with Brazil setting unwanted records for defeats and goals conceded in World Cup qualifying.

Despite boasting attacking talents like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, Brazil struggled offensively, registering just one shot on target in their humiliating loss to Argentina.

As the search for a new head coach begins, Brazil faces crucial qualifiers in June against Ecuador and Paraguay. With automatic qualification still uncertain, the next appointment will be pivotal in reviving the team’s fortunes on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

_{Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Lucas Andrade, Pexels / Marlon Alves}