A new manager for the 2026 World Cup?! Brazil to sack Dorival Jr after thumping loss to Argentina amid Carlo Ancelotti dream

Since taking over in January 2024, Dorival has failed to turn around the fortunes of the Selecao. Out of 15 matches, Brazil have managed to win only five, a record that has failed to impress both fans and officials. Moreover, the 4-1 defeat in Buenos Aires on Wednesday has left Brazil trailing 10 points behind their arch-rivals in the South American qualification standings, placing the 62-year-old coach under immense scrutiny, according to UOL.

Despite Brazil’s struggles, their chances of missing out on the World Cup remain slim. FIFA's expanded 48-team format ensures that six South American nations will qualify automatically. Brazil currently sit six points ahead of seventh-placed Venezuela with just four matches left to play, making qualification highly probable. However, the team's lackluster performances throughout Dorival’s tenure might see him face the axe.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has long been interested in securing the services of Carlo Ancelotti. Even though he has never managed an international team, and according to reports, the FA have once again reached out to Ancelotti to discuss the possibility of him taking over the national team. However, it is believed that the Italian will only entertain offers after the 2025 Club World Cup ends in July.

With the World Cup just over a year away, Brazil’s leadership finds itself at a crossroads. While qualification is all but assured, concerns about the team’s trajectory under Dorival have led to renewed discussions about a potential coaching overhaul. Whether Ancelotti will be convinced to take charge remains to be seen, but with growing dissatisfaction surrounding Dorival’s tenure, a change could be imminent.