Brazil Football Federation to decide Coach Dorival Junior’s future after heavy loss to Argentina
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will meet on Friday to discuss the future of Brazil's coach, Dorival Junior, following their disappointing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sources informed ESPN Brasil.
The loss has prompted a swift response from CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. While review meetings between Dorival and the CBF are typical after FIFA international windows, the poor performance in Buenos Aires has led Rodrigues to fast-track a face-to-face meeting with the coaching staff, sources revealed.
Despite this, sources close to Dorival have stated that the coach has not yet been made aware of any immediate urgency regarding his future or the possibility of his departure.
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Several names are reportedly being considered as potential replacements within the CBF. Among the frontrunners are Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was previously courted by Brazil, as well as Flamengo's Filipe Luis and Jorge Jesus, who currently manages Al Hilal.
Dorival, who took over the national team in January 2024 after replacing Fernando Diniz due to Brazil's poor start in World Cup qualifying, has faced difficulties in reviving the team's fortunes.
Brazil crashed out of last summer's Copa America at the quarterfinal stage to Uruguay. Following Tuesday's heavy defeat to archrival Argentina, Brazil sit fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings.
The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 competition in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
"There's always a lot of pressure, but I never run away from my responsibilities," Dorival told reporters after the loss to Argentina. "I'm aware of what this loss means and everything that's been going on.
"I really believe in my work, in the development of this process. It's a complicated and difficult process, but I have no doubt that we'll find a way out.
"In all my years in football, this is perhaps the most delicate moment for me. But I've never given up."
