Brazil Fires Coach Dorival Júnior after Embarrassing 4-1 Loss to Argentina

Brazil has sacked its national team head coach, Dorivan Junior following the embarrassing 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying game.

The drubbing on March 28, 2025, was Brazil’s biggest qualifying loss, equalling a 3-0 loss to Chile in 2000. The defeat has left the CBF with no choice but to dismiss Júnior after just 14 months in office.

Loss to their arch rivals Argentina has heightened the pressure on Júnior, whose rule has been dominated by a hit-and-miss string of performances.

Under him, Brazil have won seven games, drawn seven, and lost two out of 16 matches. Despite having scored 25 goals and conceding 17, the team’s poor performances relegated them to fourth place in the South American qualifiers, a fact bearing in mind that only the first six teams automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Brazil’s qualification for the World Cup has been closely monitored, and the loss to Argentina was the final straw for the CBF. The loss, which pushed Brazil down the rankings, left the team in question of being able to secure an automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup, considering the tough games ahead.

The CBF revealed that it has committed to making an instant appointment of a new coach to shore up the team and restore Brazil’s fortunes on the international scene. In pole position to replace Júnior are big names such as Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned Real Madrid manager, and Jorge Jesus, the celebrated coach of Al-Hilal. Both names have emerged as potential successors due to their experience and pedigree, with Ancelotti’s tactical acumen and Jesus’ impressive record in the Middle East making them top contenders for the role.

The sacking comes at a crucial time with Brazil poised to enter the next rounds of World Cup qualification. The CCB would like a new manager to be an infusion of new blood into the team to create a better more competitive campaign in the future.

Júnior’s departure marks the end of a too-short but legendary chapter in Brazilian football history. The decision to release him demonstrates the value placed upon the nation’s team, and it remains to be seen who will stand in the cleats of one of the world’s most celebrated teams.

As Brazil goes through the trials of the future, everyone’s wondering who will be the next boss to guide the Selecao back to greatness.