Brazil Sack Dorival Júnior After 4-1 Defeat to Argentina
Brazil are officially without a head coach. On Friday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the dismissal of Dorival Júnior, just three days after the Seleção’s humiliating 4-1 loss to Argentina at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“We met and the CBF, at this moment, announces that Dorival Júnior’s cycle has come to an end,” said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues in a brief statement to the media.
The 62-year-old coach had already been under pressure following Brazil’s underwhelming performances in the Copa América and World Cup qualifiers, but the heavy defeat to the reigning world champions was the final straw.
A short, inconsistent tenure
Dorival Júnior took charge in January 2024, managing 16 matches with a record of 7 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses. His Brazil side scored 25 goals but conceded 17, with persistent concerns about defensive fragility.
At the 2024 Copa América, Brazil were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay, following a goalless draw and a loss in the penalty shootout. The early exit raised doubts about the team’s identity and consistency.
Poor World Cup qualifying campaign
Brazil’s struggles continued in South American World Cup qualifying. Under Dorival, the team played eight qualifiers, earning 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats while conceding 16 goals—including five in back-to-back matches against Colombia and Argentina.
The 4-1 thrashing in Buenos Aires marked Brazil’s worst-ever defeat in World Cup qualifying history and their heaviest loss to Argentina since 1964.
As it stands, Brazil sit fourth in the CONMEBOL table with 21 points, level with Uruguay and Paraguay, but trailing leaders Argentina by 10 points.
A new era begins
The CBF has not yet revealed a shortlist of potential candidates to replace Dorival Júnior, but Rodrigues confirmed that the search for a new manager will begin “immediately.” The next coach will be tasked with restoring Brazil’s identity and leading the team successfully into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
