Just one year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil has made a decisive call regarding the future of its national team, setting in motion yet another chapter for the five-time world champions.
For a nation that breathes soccer like oxygen, even a single stumble can spark a storm. But when that stumble turns into a string of setbacks, and when it involves the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Neymar, the reaction is often swift and unforgiving. Just one year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil has made a decisive call regarding the future of its national team, setting in motion yet another chapter for the five-time world champions.
The alarm bells began ringing long before the final whistle blew during Brazil’s 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires, but that crushing loss has proved to be the tipping point. The result not only widened the gap between the two rivals to 10 points in the qualification table but also left Brazil in an unusually precarious position, sitting fourth in the CONMEBOL standings.
Dorival Junior, who took over the national team in January 2024, was brought in to steady the ship after Brazil’s struggles post-Qatar 2022. However, under his leadership, the Seleção has failed to inspire confidence.
Brazil has recorded just five wins in 15 matches during the 62-year-old’s tenure. Even with the safety net provided by FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup format, which grants six automatic qualification spots to South America, pressure from fans, media, and federation officials has been steadily mounting.
NOTA OFICIAL 🇧🇷
A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol informa que o técnico Dorival Júnior não comanda mais a Seleção Brasileira. A direção agradece ao profissional e deseja sucesso na continuidade de sua carreira. A partir de agora, a CBF vai trabalhar em busca do substituto.… pic.twitter.com/CVbTAOaYPQ
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 28, 2025
Official decision confirmed
On Friday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the inevitable: “Brazil have sacked the coach Dorival Junior after defeat vs Argentina. The decision has been made with immediate effect as Brazilian Federation started looking for a replacement.”
In addition, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed in a statement: “The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival junior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team. The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement“.
Further reports from UOL Esporte reveal that it had already decided to part ways with the experienced boss before the formal announcement, following internal discussions and dissatisfaction over recent performances.
Dorival’s short-lived spell
Dorival Junior’s time in charge was marked by inconsistency and defensive frailty. Despite flashes of brilliance from Brazil’s talented frontline, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and, when fit, Neymar, the team struggled to impose itself against both traditional rivals and lesser opponents.
Dorival, who is still entitled to receive the remainder of his contract wages through to 2026, failed to meet expectations from day one. The team’s embarrassing defeat in Buenos Aires, paired with their inability to keep pace with Argentina, who have already qualified for the World Cup, proved to be the final straw.
Even though Brazil’s World Cup qualification is almost secure — currently six points ahead of seventh-placed Venezuela with only four matches left — the concern inside the CBF was never about qualification, but about whether this group could compete for the trophy itself.
From: World Soccer Talk