Brazil sack manager Dorival Júnior in the wake of Argentina thrashing

Mired in a historic slump, the five-time World Cup winners left looking for a new figurehead just over a year from 2026 tournament

BRUISING NIGHT: Brazil's Joelinton, left, and Argentina's Cristian Romero vie for the ball during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Brazil have sacked their head coach, Dorival Júnior, the country’s football confederation (CBF) said on Friday, after the five-times world champions were thrashed 4-1 by fierce rivals Argentina in a humiliating World Cup qualifying loss in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

The 62-year-old was appointed in January 2024 after the team spent a year under two caretaker coaches as the Brazilian FA were unable to tempt the Italian Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid.