On March 29, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced the dismissal of coach Dorival Junior after just over a year leading the Selecao. The football agency said it is trying to find a replacement. Among them, coaches Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola are the leading candidates.

Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters, CBF had considered firing coach Dorival Junior after the defeat in Copa America 2024 (losing to Uruguay in the quarterfinals). But they remained patient, before being overwhelmed by the recent shocking 1-4 loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues decided to act immediately.

"The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Junior is no longer in charge of the Brazilian national team. We thank Mr. Dorival Junior and wish him success in his career. The CBF will work to find his replacement as soon as possible," the CBF said in a statement on March 29.

Brazilian press revealed that CBF really wants to invite coach Ancelotti to lead the Brazilian team, along with Pep Guardiola. However, to have one of these two famous coaches is not easy.

Coach Ancelotti just spoke out: "I appreciate Brazil, but there has been no contact between the federation and me in recent days. I am completely focused on Real Madrid. I have a contract with Real Madrid (until June 2026) and I am focused on winning championship titles. We have important goals now."

Meanwhile, coach Pep Guardiola also extended his contract with Man City until June 2027. This coach also expressed his desire to lead a national team after his club career, in which the Brazilian national team is a target. However, the strategist's sudden extension with Man City makes the opportunity to lead the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup unlikely.

Why is the Brazilian team in crisis?

CBF is currently considering other plans, as it is difficult to recruit coaches Ancelotti or Pep Guardiola. They are considering inviting coach Jorge Jesus from Al Hilal to replace Mr. Dorival Junior, but only from June when the current season ends.

Photo: Reuters

The Brazilian team has been going through a crisis since the 2022 World Cup, having replaced four coaches, both official and interim, since veteran coach Tite left.

They also endured their worst ever World Cup qualifying campaign, currently sitting fourth in South America with 21 points, just one point ahead of sixth-placed Colombia.

Never before have Brazil lost so many games, conceded so many goals or set so many negative records in a World Cup qualifying campaign. They have suffered five defeats in 14 games, conceding 16 goals.

In addition, a 1-0 defeat to Argentina at the Maracana in late 2023 was Brazil's first home defeat in World Cup qualifying. They also lost to Colombia for the first time, saw their 20-year unbeaten streak against Uruguay end, and suffered historic defeats to teams like Morocco and Senegal, despite never having lost to an African national team before.