Brazil Sacks Manager Dorival Júnior After Historic 4-1 Defeat to Argentina
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has fired head coach Dorival Júnior following their humiliating 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualifying. The decision marks the first time in history Seleção have conceded four goals to their fiercest opponents in a competitive match.
"The CBF announces that Dorival Júnior is no longer the head coach of the national team. We thank him and wish him success in his future career," read an official statement released just 48 hours after Tuesday's disastrous result at La Bombonera.
The 61-year-old tactician, who previously won trophies with Flamengo and São Paulo, lasted just five months in charge. His tenure saw Brazil win only 7 of 16 matches - their worst ratio since 2001. The final straw came as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to their biggest victory over Brazil this century.
According to Reuters, CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues had planned to wait until June's qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, but the historic nature of Tuesday's defeat forced immediate action. The search now begins for Brazil's fourth permanent manager since their 2022 World Cup quarterfinal exit.
With Brazil sitting sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying - their lowest position ever at this stage - pressure mounts on the federation to appoint a high-profile successor. Early rumors suggest approaches to Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid) or Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras), but insiders warn the "toxic" political environment makes the job increasingly unattractive for top candidates.
