Dorival Junior named Brazil’s new head coach until FIFA World Cup 2026

Brazil have appointed Dorival Junior as their new head coach, with a contract until the 2026 World Cup signed. He was offered a new contract by Brazilian club Sao Paulo, where he was working most recently, but turned it down to make the move to the national team ahead of the Copa America 2024. 

The CBF was expecting Carlo Ancelotti to join them at the end of the domestic season, which was even announced by the president, Ednaldo Rodrigues. However, Ancelotti ended up signing a new contract with Madrid since they were always his priority. And now, Dorival Junior has been swiftly appointed as the next man in charge of the Selecao. 

Dorival Junior becomes Brazil’s new head coach 

The 61-year-old’s resignation from Sao Paulo was confirmed on Sunday, with the national team job imminent for the veteran. Dorival Junior will be replacing Fernando Diniz, who oversaw a tumultuous international break in October and November while also coaching Fluminense which led to him being dismissed. 

The CBF revealed that Diniz was sacked to appoint a new permanent head coach. And now, as per the statement from Sao Paulo, he will be leading the Selecao starting from the next international break. 

The new head coach has an average points-per-game ratio of 1.66 across his 605 career games, which include 287 wins and 175 losses. He has won the Copa Libertadores once with Flamengo in 2022, and the Brasileirão Serie A thrice – most recently in 2023 with Sao Paulo.