Brazil Fires Coach Dorival Júnior Following Historic Qualifying Defeat
Brazil's CBF dismissed coach Dorival Júnior following a historic 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying, prompting a search for a new head coach amid disappointing recent performances.
Published on March 29, 2025
On March 28, 2025, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) dismissed national team coach Dorival Júnior after a historic 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. This defeat marked Brazil’s worst loss in their qualifying history and came at a time when the team had been struggling, winning only one of their last four matches.
President Ednaldo Rodrigues confirmed the decision and announced that the search for a new coach is underway. Under Júnior’s tenure, Brazil recorded seven wins, seven draws, and two losses, netting 25 goals and conceding 17. Among those eyed to take over the helm are potential candidates such as Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus, both of whom would become Brazil's first foreign coach. The national team now prepares for upcoming qualifier matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.