6 Potential Options for Brazil's Next National Team Manager

Brazil manager Dorival Júnior was sacked on Friday by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol, the nation's football federation.

That's what you get when you suffer a crushing loss to your most hated rivals on the world stage, with Argentina cruising to a 4-1 victory in a 2026 World Cup qualifying matchup just two days before his ouster. 

But it wasn't just that chastening defeat that forced the CBF to give Dorival the boot. Despite having one of the finest talent pools available in the international game, the 62-year-old managed just seven wins from 16 games in charge, with six draws and three losses making up the remainder. 

Those draws might be even more damning than the defeats, especially for a nation that delights in jogo bonito—dour stalemates are far from the thrilling, aesthetically dazzling football that we all associate with the iconic yellow jersey. 

Just 1.6 goals per game isn't going to cut it, either, and he could have faced the axe after Brazil's limp quarterfinal exit in the 2024 Copa America.

With the World Cup approaching in around 15 months, the Seleçao Canarinho need to get their act together if they want to extend their record as the most decorated team in the competition. Their tally of five trophies is just one ahead of Italy and Germany, and—perhaps more worryingly—two more than Argentina. 

So who could step in and provide an instant boost to one of the most lauded footballing nations on the planet? Here are six candidates who might fit the bill. 

Former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea left-back Filipe Luís has only just embarked on his managerial career, but he's already turning heads.

The 39-year-old has already steered Flamengo to three trophies in just 27 games in charge, picking up the Copa do Brasil, the Supercopa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Carioca. 

He's earned 19 wins, seven draws and just one defeat in that time, with his team scoring 49 goals along the way.

This job vacancy might have come just too early for Luís, who will need a little more seasoning before taking one of the most high-profile jobs in world football. But if his success continues, he's bound to take the position in the near future. 

In 2023, it was reported that the CBF was in talks with Carlo Ancelotti to get him to take the Brazil manager position.

However, Real Madrid scuppered those hopes and tied the Italian down to a new contract that runs until 2026.

Could the Brazilian football federation again try to tempt one of the most successful club managers in history to dip his toes into the international waters?

It's likely he'll at least be sounded out, and now might be the time for Ancelotti to make the switch. 

There's little new he can achieve with Los Blancos, aside from winning the reformatted Club World Cup. And considering he already manages a number of the Seleçao Canarinho's stars in the Spanish capital—including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eder Militão and Endrick — the Brazil job would seem like a great fit.

Maybe soon, Don Carlo will become O Chefão Carlo.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has declared his intention to manage an international team before retirement.

With the club's future uncertain as 115 charges for financial rule breaches are soon to be ruled upon, and with the Citizens going through one of their most difficult seasons in years, the Etihad Stadium exit door might be looking increasingly appealing. 

Since the 54-year-old's relationship with Spain is complicated as a Catalan—he is a passionate supporter of the state's bid to become independent—it's unlikely he'll be leading La Furia Roja any time soon.

But the Brazil job seems like a great fit, and it would be fascinating to see his methods put into practice with the talent that would be available.

At the moment, it seems like more hope than expectation that he'll even consider the job. That could soon change if the hammer comes down on the Premier League club, though. 

The last manager to win a trophy for Brazil was Tite, who picked up the 2019 Copa America title.

He also took Brazil to the 2021 Copa America final, which the Seleção Canarinho lost to Argentina, and topped CONMEBOL's 2022 World Cup qualifying group.

However, after a quarterfinal exit to Croatia in the last World Cup, he stepped down as national team coach—which he promised to do after the tournament regardless of the team's performance. 

He won 61 games out of 81 in his Brazil tenure, drawing 13 and losing seven. During that time, his teams scored an average of 2.2 goals per game.

It would be no surprise if there was clamor for Tite to return with Brazil at a low ebb.

For CBF, there's another attractive reason to bring him on board. Tite is unemployed, so there will be no negotiating or expensive contract termination fees to get their target. 

Don't rule this one out.

Managerial nomad Jorge Jesus is the bookies' favorite to be the next Brazil manager, according to bet365.

The Portuguese is currently leading Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, but his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

There is one thing that might go against the 70-year-old if he wants the job, though.

Before heading back to Santos on a free transfer, Neymar had an injury-plagued tenure with Al-Hilal, under the watchful eye of Jesus.

To say the relationship is strained might be a bit of an understatement.

Neymar arguably holds some power within the national team setup despite not having suited up for Brazil since October 2023. But he's steadily making his way back to form with Santos, and he could yet be a squad option for the 2026 tournament.

Internal politics aside, Jesus would be a smart appointment. He's been successful in stints with Benfica, Sporting CP, Fenerbahce and Flamengo, and his attacking brand would be a dream for Brazil fans.

Make. It. Happen.

Jose Mourinho is the joint-seventh favorite for the job, according to bet365, and he would be an absolutely blockbuster appointment.

The 62-year-old's stock has taken a hit in recent years following stints at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Roma. While he didn't achieve the kind of success he's built his career on with those teams—and he's not yet won anything with Fener—there's no doubt he's still one of the biggest names in the managerial game.

His defense-first mindset wouldn't sit well with Brazil, and his motivational style might not be a great fit, either.

Arguably, this simply wouldn't work out. But there's a lot to be said for simply sitting back and enjoying the fireworks.