Dorival Junior quits as Sao Paulo manager to take over Brazilian national team

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made an announcement on Friday regarding the dismissal of Fernando Diniz, who had been serving as an interim coach. The decision was made in order to hire a permanent coach who will prepare the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to sources, Dorival was the preferred choice for the job after the CBF's unsuccessful attempt to recruit Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who decided to extend his contract with Real Madrid.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the Sao Paulo Football Club confirmed the departure of coach Dorival Junior, who requested to leave in order to take charge of the Brazilian national team.

Reuters has reached out to the CBF for comment, as the federation has not yet confirmed the appointment.

Dorival previously led Flamengo to victory in the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Cup in 2022 before joining Sao Paulo. He has also coached Atletico Mineiro, Athletico Paranaense, Internacional, Vasco da Gama, Fluminense, and Palmeiras.

In the statement, Dorival expressed that it was a personal dream come true, made possible by the recognition of his work in Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo President Julio Casares stated that Dorival's appointment is a testament to the club's positive trajectory.

"We believe that inviting Dorival is further evidence that we are moving in the right direction," he said.

"We can only wish him the best of luck in his new challenge."

Currently, Brazil is ranked sixth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, having won only two out of their six games and suffered three defeats.

The decision to dismiss Diniz came after Ednaldo Rodrigues was reinstated as the head of the CBF. This followed a decision by Minister Gilmar Mendes of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) in response to Rodrigues' earlier dismissal by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice in early December.