​Dorival Junior has been officially appointed head coach of the Brazil national team, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) replacing Fernando Diniz, the interim manager who was sacked on Friday.

Dorival Junior, the new coach of Brazil

The CBF took this decision after failing to convince Carlo Ancelotti to lead the national team (the Italian extended his contract with “Real”.).

Thus, Dorival Junior (61 years old) left the São Paulo team and became the head coach of Brazil.

“Dorival Junior is the new coach of the men’s national team. It will be presented during a press conference this Thursday at the CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.”– says the CBF press release.

During his career, Dorival Jr. coached the teams Atlético Mineiro, Atlético Paranaense, Internacional, Vasco da Gama, Fluminense, Palmeiras, Flamengo (won Copa Libertadores and Copa Brasil in 2022 ) and “Sao Paulo”.

World Cup 2026, preliminary matches South America

Brazil is ranked 6th in the preliminary matches of the South American zone at the 2026 World Cup. After six matches, “Seleção” has collected 7 points: two wins (5-1 against Bolivia and 1-0 against Peru), one draw (1 -1 against Venezuela) and three defeats in a row (0-2 against Uruguay, 1-2 against Colombia and 0-1 against Argentina).

1. Argentina 15 points

2. Uruguay 13

3. Colombia 12

4. Venezuela 9

5. Ecuador 8

6. Brazil 7

7. Paraguay 5

8. Chile 5

9. Bolivia 3

10. Peru 2.

*The first six places receive direct qualification for the WC 2026, and the 7th place participates in the intercontinental play-off.