Brazil have sacked head coach Dorival Junior, following a deflating 4-1 defeat to rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying earlier this week.

The 62-year-old was dismissed on Friday, with Brazil sat fourth in their qualifying group, having suffered five defeats in their 14 games so far.

Dorival took charge of Brazil in January 2024 and managed 16 games during that time, starting with a 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley.

He went on to win seven, draw six and lose three of those matches, with his side scoring 27 goals and conceding 21 in that time.

However, after falling to that heavy defeat at the hands of Argentina, who had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced his exit.

NOTA OFICIAL

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol informa que o técnico Dorival Júnior não comanda mais a Seleção Brasileira. A direção agradece ao profissional e deseja sucesso na continuidade de sua carreira. A partir de agora, a CBF vai trabalhar em busca do substituto.… pic.twitter.com/CVbTAOaYPQ

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 28, 2025

"The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Junior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team," the CBF said in a statement.

"The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement."

Dorival, who never played for his country, was handed the job after his success with Flamengo in 2022, where he won the Copa Libertadores.

He leaves with Brazil in a strong position to qualify for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, though their place is still yet to be confirmed.

Brazilian media suggest Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus is the favourite to replace Dorival. However, other reports suggest Brazil are keen to talk to Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti, who had been approached about the job before Dorival was appointed last year.