Dorival Junior sacked as Brazil coach after heavy loss to Argentina

Brazil coach Dorival Junior has been dismissed after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Friday, 28th March 2025.

"Dorival Junior is no longer in charge of the Brazilian national team. The management thanks him and wishes him success in his future career," the CBF stated.

The 62-year-old coach, who took over in January 2024 following interim coach Fernando Diniz, has overseen a disappointing qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, currently sit fourth in the South American qualifying table, 10 points adrift of defending world champions Argentina, who have already secured their spot in the finals. Ecuador and Uruguay also sit ahead of Brazil.

The Selecao will face Ecuador away and Paraguay at home on 4th and 9th June 2025, respectively, in the next round of qualifiers.

Dorival's future had been uncertain following Tuesday's crushing defeat in Buenos Aires. "Nobody expected what we saw today, and the responsibility is entirely mine," he admitted after the match.

Having led Flamengo and São Paulo to domestic titles, Dorival was appointed as Brazil's head coach after months of speculation regarding the potential appointment of Real Madrid's Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti. According to Brazilian media, Ancelotti is once again a potential candidate for the role, along with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who currently manages Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.