Dorival Junior will continue as the head coach of the Brazilian national team until at least the 2026 World Cup, as confirmed by the country's football federation president. Despite Brazil's early exit from the Copa América tournament, the decision has been made to retain Dorival in his role.
The team faced criticism following their quarterfinal defeat to Uruguay, where they were eliminated in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Brazil's performance in the tournament was lackluster, with only one victory in the group stage.
The federation president expressed confidence in Dorival's ability to address the team's shortcomings, stating that the upcoming World Cup qualifying rounds are a crucial focus. Emphasizing the importance of continuity in coaching, he highlighted the coach's understanding of the necessary improvements.
Dorival took full responsibility for the team's Copa América exit but remained optimistic about the potential for growth and development within the squad. Acknowledging the presence of young players in the team, both the coach and the federation president emphasized the long-term vision for building a successful team.
Brazil's recent international performances have been mixed, with the team failing to progress beyond the quarterfinal stage in both the Copa América and the World Cup. The absence of Neymar, the team's leading scorer, due to injury has posed additional challenges.
The upcoming World Cup qualifying matches will provide an opportunity for Brazil to regroup and strive for better results. With a renewed focus on team development and performance, Dorival and his coaching staff are determined to lead the team to success in future competitions.