The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is on the verge of making a crucial decision regarding the future of head coach Dorival Junior. Following the painful 4-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers, the pressure on the coach has increased exponentially. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues has decided to accelerate discussions and hold an urgent meeting on Friday. According to sources close to the federation, this meeting between Rodrigues and the Brazilian coaching staff has become necessary due to the disappointing results and the alarming sporting crisis facing the national team.

The Source of Pressure

The defeat to arch-rival Argentina in Buenos Aires hit both fans and the football federation hard. While evaluation meetings after international matches are common, the severity of this loss has heightened the urgency. The humiliation against the reigning world champions exposed issues that have persisted under Dorival Junior’s leadership since his appointment as head coach in January 2024.

Dorival, formerly the coach of São Paulo, was appointed to revitalize Brazil’s performance after a weak start under Fernando Diniz. However, the pressure to deliver results is immense, especially after last year’s early Copa América exit, where Brazil was eliminated by Uruguay in the quarterfinals. With the latest defeat to Argentina adding to the struggles, his position has become increasingly precarious.

Potential Successors

According to sources within the CBF, several potential replacements are already being discussed. The most frequently mentioned names are Carlo Ancelotti, the current Real Madrid manager, Filipe Luis from Flamengo, and Jorge Jesus, who is currently in charge of Al Hilal. Among these candidates, Ancelotti enjoys significant support within the federation, as he was previously approached for the head coach position. His international experience and club-level successes make him an attractive option.

However, Filipe Luis and Jorge Jesus are also being seriously considered. Filipe Luis has strong ties to Brazilian football and is seen as someone who could bring fresh energy to the team. Jorge Jesus, on the other hand, has demonstrated success with Flamengo and in the Middle East, which also makes him a serious contender.

Dorival Junior Remains Confident

Despite the growing pressure, Dorival Junior remains resilient and confident in his abilities. “I am fully aware of the situation and the significance of this defeat,” he said after the match against Argentina. “I believe in my work and the process we are going through. This is perhaps the most delicate moment of my career, but I never give up.”

Dorival also understands that his future is in the hands of the CBF and that the federation’s decision to either keep or replace him will be made in the coming days. For now, Brazil’s fourth place in the South American qualifiers offers some breathing room, as the top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

What’s at Stake?

Brazil’s football tradition is built on success and unparalleled glory, but recent results stand in stark contrast to that legacy. Holding on to a coach who fails to meet expectations could further undermine national pride and the team’s stability. The decision to either stick with Dorival or choose a new path will not only shape the near future of Brazilian football but also impact the country’s sporting status on the global stage.

The coming days will be crucial for Dorival Junior, who knows that any decision will have far-reaching consequences for both his own career and the future of the Brazilian national team. Fans, analysts, and former internationals are closely following the situation, speculating about potential replacements as pressure mounts on the CBF to act quickly and decisively.