Who will lead the Brazilian national football team: candidates revealed.

The Brazilian Football Confederation is considering the candidacies of foreign coaches for the head coach position of the Brazilian national team after the dismissal of Dorival Junior. Among the candidates are Italian Carlo Ancelotti, Spaniard Pep Guardiola, and Portuguese Jorge Jesus, who respectively lead 'Real', 'Manchester City', and 'Al-Hilal'. The CBF president favors Ancelotti's candidacy.

The decision to dismiss Dorival Junior was made after Brazil's crushing defeat to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifying match. The CBF president is also dissatisfied that the coach's son was his assistant.

Dorival Junior had led the national team since January 2024, and the team currently stands in fourth place after 14 rounds of the World Cup qualifying tournament.

The Argentine national team has already secured its place in the World Cup 2026 after a resounding 4-1 victory over Brazil.

In the qualifying cycle for the World Cup 2026, UEFA will have 16 spots available. Qualification in Europe will last from March 2025 to March 2026 and will consist of two qualifying rounds.

The first qualifying round includes 12 groups. The group winners will receive direct spots to the final stage. The second-placed teams and four best group winners from the Nations League who finish below second place will compete in playoff mini-tournaments.

The second qualifying round will include playoff mini-tournaments in March 2026. 16 participants will be split into four playoff paths, and four winners will receive spots at the World Cup.

Other continental confederations will also have their qualifying tournaments, as well as an intercontinental playoff, in which two spots will be contested.