The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) dismissed Dorival Júnior as head coach on Friday, March 28, 2025, following a crushing 4-1 defeat against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, March 25.
Appointed in January 2024 after the CBF failed to lure Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid, the 62-year-old’s tenure came to an abrupt end due to a string of disappointing results. The heavy loss to arch-rivals Argentina proved to be the final straw.
The CBF released an official statement:
“The Brazilian Football Confederation informs that coach Dorival Jr is no longer in charge of the Brazilian national team. The management thanks [Dorival] and wishes him success in continuing his career. The CBF will work to find his replacement.”
Under Júnior’s leadership, Brazil suffered several setbacks, including their first-ever loss to Colombia, the end of a decades-long unbeaten streak against Uruguay, and defeats to Morocco and Senegal—marking the first time Brazil had lost to an African nation.
Who will replace Dorival Júnior as Brazil’s coach?
Speculation is rife that the CBF is eyeing Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti as his successor, with reports suggesting he could take over once Real Madrid’s season concludes in July 2025.