The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has sacked head coach Dorival Junior with immediate effect, following the Selecao’s 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires. The loss marked a new low for Brazil, who are struggling in World Cup qualification and sit 10 points behind leaders Argentina.
Junior, 62, had been in charge since January 2024 but won just five of his 15 games. His tenure was also marked by a dismal Copa America campaign, where Brazil crashed out in the quarter-finals on penalties to Uruguay.
The defeat to Argentina, who have now booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, was the final straw for the Brazil brass. The CBF released a statement thanking Junior for his services and wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Attention now turns to finding Junior’s replacement, with Brazil linked to a sensational move for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian’s current deal at the Bernabeu runs until 2026, but he has been backed to step down at Los Blancos this summer.
Ancelotti is one of the most successful managers of all time, with five Champions League titles and domestic league triumphs in all of Europe’s big five leagues. His appointment would be a major coup for Brazil, who are desperate to restore their reputation as a football powerhouse.