Brazil Fires Coach Dorival Junior After 4-1 Loss to Argentina

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazil’s national football team has parted ways with head coach Dorival Junior following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match on March 25, 2025. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the sacking on March 28, 2025, citing the team’s poor performance and results as the primary reasons for the decision.

The defeat in Buenos Aires marked Brazil’s heaviest loss in a World Cup qualifier, leaving them in a precarious fourth place in the South American qualifying group, just a point above sixth-placed Colombia. Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF, expressed gratitude for Dorival’s contributions, stating, “The management thanks Dorival and wishes him success in continuing his career. From now on, the CBF will work to find his replacement.”

Under Dorival’s leadership, Brazil struggled to find consistency, winning only seven of the 16 matches played, drawing six, and losing three. The team scored 25 goals while conceding 17. Despite showing promise, they faced significant setbacks, including a quarter-final exit in Copa America 2024 after a penalty shootout loss to Uruguay. The team’s performance fell short of expectations, raising concerns about their ability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

As the team prepares for remaining qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June, the urgency to find a new coach is paramount. With four matches left to play, Brazil is currently six points clear of Venezuela, who occupy the intercontinental play-off spot. Dorival’s record included five losses out of the 14 matches in the World Cup qualifying campaign, contributing to frustrations among players and fans alike.

Team captain Marquinhos openly expressed disappointment after the Argentina match, calling the defeat “embarrassing.” This reflects growing concerns among supporters regarding the team’s progress and prospects moving forward. Brazil has not faced such a heavy loss in a World Cup qualifier, leading many observers to question the coaching strategy and direction.

Dorival, who took over the national team in January 2024, was previously successful with Flamengo, leading them to the 2022 Copa Libertadores title. However, the national team’s recent struggles have put extraordinary pressure on his tenure. The CBF initially aimed to reassess after the upcoming matches, but the nature of the defeat changed the decision-making timeline.

Speculation regarding Dorival’s successor has already begun, with Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus emerging as a frontrunner for the position. Additionally, the CBF has indicated they may once again pursue Real Madrid‘s Carlo Ancelotti, despite his existing contract commitments until July 2026. Ancelotti has long been a target for the Brazilian FA, reflecting the urgency to stabilize the national team’s direction.

This coaching change is yet another chapter in Brazil’s tumultuous journey since their quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup. As they prepare for critical qualifying matches and the upcoming World Cup, the CBF must swiftly address the coaching vacancy to restore confidence and performance levels within the squad.