Brazil parts ways with Dorival Júnior and targets two European coaches

Dorival Júnior will not continue at the helm of the Brazil national team. After a year in which he managed 16 matches, the 62-year-old coach was dismissed this Friday by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The harsh defeat of the 'canarinha' against Argentina in Buenos Aires (4-1) sealed the Brazilian coach's fate, who during his tenure achieved 7 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses, with 25 goals scored and 17 conceded. The São Paulo native also managed the Copa América, where he only secured 1 victory in 4 appearances (lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals).

Previously, Ramón Menezes (3 matches) and Fernando Diniz (6 matches) took charge of the 'scratch' during 2023, with very poor results. Brazil is currently fourth in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with 21 points, the same as Uruguay and Paraguay, but ten behind the leader Argentina. Nevertheless, the 'verdeamarela' remains in qualifying positions.

Ancelotti and Guardiola, Brazil's favorites to replace Dorival

With Dorival Júnior's departure, Carlo Ancelotti is once again the favorite of the Brazilian press to take the reins of a national team that hasn't won anything since 2019 and whose last World Cup triumph will reach 24 years in the next edition to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The Italian had already received a formal offer from the CBF in 2023, but he preferred to renew with Real Madrid after winning the Copa del Rey. Although he is under contract until 2026, 'Carletto' knows he is on thin ice and, if he does not win the League or Champions, it is very likely that Florentino Pérez will dismiss him even before the Club World Cup to be held in June.

The other option that is being strongly considered in Brazil is Pep Guardiola. The Santpedor native also has a contract with Manchester City for another year, but the poor performance of the Manchester team in the 24-25 season raises thoughts of a possible end of cycle for the Catalan. Pep has been in England for nine seasons, but he seems to be leaning more towards a sabbatical year.