Brazil have sacked manager Dorival Junior following a heavy defeat to arch-rivals Argentina. The Brazilian Football Confederation will now search for a replacement for Dorival, who won just 44% of his matches in charge of the national team. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been repeatedly linked with the Brazil job ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have announced the sacking of Dorival Junior as manager.
A statement on Friday read: "The board wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement."
Dorival was appointed in January 2024 amid widespread reports that the CBF wanted to appoint Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. That humiliating defeat spelled Dorival's end. Dorival had enjoyed success with Flamengo prior to taking the Brazil job, winning the Copa Libertadores with the Rio de Janeiro club.
But he won just seven of his 16 matches in charge of the national team, leaving Brazil fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group with 21 points, 10 behind leaders Argentina.
The Selecao Canarinho were also knocked out of last year's Copa America by Uruguay in the quarter-finals, but Dorival was expected to be given until this summer to prove himself.
Ancelotti has coached several Brazil internationals in recent years, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Eder Militao.
The 65-year-old's future with Los Blancos, who have been linked to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, has been the subject of speculation. It remains to be seen who will take the now vacant Brazil job, with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay to come in June.
Dorival Junior is no longer in charge of the Brazilian national team. The management thanks him and wishes him success for the rest of his career," the CBF said in a statement.
Dorival, aged 62, took over the managerial role in January 2024, replacing interim coach Fernando Diniz. However, his tenure has been marked by underwhelming performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches for the tournament to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Brazilian press reports suggest that Ancelotti remains a candidate to replace Dorival, alongside Portuguese tactician Jorge Jesus, who presently manages Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Another Portuguese coach, Abel Ferreira, who achieved multiple championships with Brazilian side Palmeiras, is also considered a potential candidate for the position.
Ancelotti, however, is confident of completing the term of his contract in Madrid which runs until June 2026.
The incoming manager's primary responsibility will be to revive Brazil's distinctive playing approach and secure their first championship since claiming the Copa America in 2019.
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