The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is set to review the position of Dorival Junior
Associate Editor
2 MIN READ
Dorival Junior is under pressure at Brazil
Dorival Junior is under pressure at Brazil
AFP
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is set to review the position of Brazil head coach Dorival Junior during a meeting on Friday, according to reports.
Brazil’s crushing 4-1 loss to Argentina in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday has led CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues to take immediate action. While regular evaluations between Dorival and the CBF are standard following international breaks, the poor showing in Buenos Aires has reportedly pushed Rodrigues to schedule an urgent in-person discussion with the coaching team.
Sources close to Dorival indicate that the coach has not been made aware of any immediate concerns about his future or suggestions that his position is under threat.
Within the CBF, potential replacements are already being considered. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was previously linked with the role, is among the leading candidates. Others in contention include Flamengo’s Filipe Luís and Jorge Jesus, currently managing Al Hilal, according to sources.
Dorival assumed the role in January 2024, stepping in for Fernando Diniz after Brazil’s disappointing start to World Cup qualifying. However, his tenure has been marked by continued struggles, as the five-time World Cup champions failed to regain their former dominance.
Last summer, Brazil suffered a quarterfinal exit in the Copa América at the hands of Uruguay. Following the recent defeat to rivals Argentina, Brazil now sits fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings. With six automatic spots available for the 2026 tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Brazil’s path to qualification remains uncertain.
"There's always a lot of pressure, but I never run away from my responsibilities," Dorival stated after the Argentina match. "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."
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