MX23RW : Monday, May 5 21:51:33| >> :120:5683:5683:

Brazil sack Dorival Junior as manager in 'talks' after Argentina defeat in World Cup qualifier

Manager in 'talks' with Brazil following sacking of Dorival Junior after defeat
© Imago
Brazil confirm that Dorival Junior is no longer the national team manager, with talks reportedly taking place with his successor.

Brazil have confirmed the exit of manager Dorival Junior following the nation's humiliation against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier.

Selecao were beaten 4-1 by Argentina on March 26 and were fortunate that their fierce rivals only scored four times given they created numerous chances in the final third.

Stars such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha struggled to make an impact, with Brazil only mustering one shot on target in the entire game.

The match proved to be boss Dorival Junior's final match in charge, with the Brazilian football federation announcing his departure on Friday evening and confirming that they 'will work in search of a replacement.'

Early reports from Globo.com indicate that talks have taken place with Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus, but the Portuguese is said to be a backup option to Carlo Ancelotti.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ELITE, AL RAYYAN FC V AL-HILAL SFC Al Hilal SFC head coach, Jorge Jesus reacts during the AFC Champions League elite west football match between Qatar s Al Rayyan SC and Saudi Arabia s Al-Hilal SFC at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayya© Imago

Should Brazil avoid Jesus and go for Ancelotti?

Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has long been linked with the Brazilian national team, and the Italian would almost certainly boost their chances of World Cup glory in 2026.

Ancelotti has a strong track record when it comes to getting the best out of a star-studded team, and his style of play has often been geared towards getting the best out of the attackers at his disposal.

Vinicius Junior could be the biggest beneficiary of his appointment given he has thrived under the 65-year-old in Spain, while Real and Brazil teammate Rodrygo would likely also benefit.

It should also be noted that Ancelotti boasts a formidable record in knockout competitions having won the Champions League five times, as well as six domestic cup competitions, and his experience could be vital at the next World Cup.

Though Ancelotti's contract with Los Blancos is set to expire in the summer of 2026, the Spanish side are rumoured to be eyeing Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso.

If Selecao appointed Jesus, it would not be surprising if they missed out on the opportunity to bring the Real Madrid manager into the fold.

ID:568992:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5213:
Written by
Lewis Nolan

Click here for more stories about Dorival Junior

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Vinicius Junior of Brazil during his national side's match against Argentina, on March 26, 2025
Read Next:
Vinicius Junior's Brazil stats highlight concerns as 2026 World Cup approaches
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona34254591335879
2Real Madrid34236569333675
3Atletico MadridAtletico341910556272967
4Athletic Bilbao341613550262461
5Villarreal341610860471358
6Real BetisBetis34169952421057
7Celta Vigo34137145252046
8Rayo Vallecano341111123642-644
9Osasuna341014104250-844
10Mallorca34128143139-844
11Real Sociedad34127153237-543
12Valencia341012124051-1142
13Getafe34109153131039
14Espanyol34109153644-839
15Sevilla34911143746-938
16GironaGirona34108164152-1138
17AlavesAlaves34811153546-1135
18Las PalmasLas Palmas3488184056-1632
19Leganes34613153251-1931
20Real ValladolidValladolid3444262583-5816


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!