Ancelotti returns to the top of the list of candidates to coach Brazil

Dorival Junior, the coach of the Brazilian national team, faces the threat of dismissal following the heavy defeat suffered by the Seleção on Wednesday morning, 4-1, against traditional rivals Argentina, in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte reported that pressure has increased on Dorival Junior following the crushing defeat, prompting the Brazilian Football Confederation to consider the future of the coach, who has lost the trust of federation officials. The newspaper noted that Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of Real Madrid, is considered the preferred coach of the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, to lead the Brazilian national team in the coming period. However, the problem lies in Ancelotti's contract with Real Madrid extends until 2026. The Brazilian Football Confederation had held negotiations with Ancelotti following Brazil's exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but the Italian coach opted to renew his contract with the royal team until 2026. However, his position could change if he decides to leave Real Madrid at the end of the current season if the team fails to win either the Champions League or La Liga titles. The newspaper also added that several names are being considered to take over as Brazil coach if Dorival Junior is dismissed, including Filipe Luis, the current coach of Flamengo, Jorge Jesus, the coach of Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, and Abel Ferreira, the coach of Palmeiras.