Following Fernando Diniz’s dismissal as temporary manager on Saturday, Dorival Jr. of Sao Paulo FC is being considered for the position of head coach of the Brazilian national team.
Despite only having a one-year contract, interim coach Diniz guided Brazil to a 3–1 record in their six games played in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round. He collaborated with Fluminense, the team he helped win the Copa Libertadores with the previous year.
Dorival, 61 years old, has been a coach for over 22 years and has coached over 10 Brazilian teams, including Athletico Mineiro, Flamengo, and Santos.
Although he failed to win a league championship while managing Palmeiras, the former player now has three Brazilian Cups between Flamengo (in the 2021-22 season), Santos FC (in the 2009-10 season), and Sao Paulo FC (where he now plays).
Dorival has a victory rate of 47% based on 279 victories out of 596 matches played. Out of 174 draws, 143 have been lost. Out of the 596 matches, 439 have been in Brazil’s top division.
Dorival has stuck with a 4-2-3-1 configuration for the most part.