After being dismissed as Brazil’s head coach, Dorival Junior is set to receive a substantial compensation from the Brazilian Soccer Confederation. The recent 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires triggered significant repercussions within the Brazil national team, most notably the removal of head coach Dorival Junior. As the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) seeks a new coach, they are also obligated to pay a hefty compensation package to their former manager.
Brazil has experienced a turbulent time since the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Croatia, resulting in coach Tite‘s departure. Interim managers Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz followed but achieved disappointing results—only three wins, one draw, and five losses across nine matches—highlighting the team’s decline.
Appointed in January 2024, Dorival Junior was tasked with restoring Brazil’s identity and forming a competitive squad. Although his initial matches showed promise, the momentum quickly diminished.
The team struggled in the 2024 Copa America, especially without star forward Neymar. Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay in a penalty shootout, an underwhelming outcome that raised concerns about their performance.
In the ongoing CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Brazil faced further challenges, including a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay and two disappointing 1-1 draws against Venezuela and Uruguay. The final blow came with the humiliating loss to Argentina, prompting the CBF to part ways with Dorival.
Dorival Junior’s Compensation
Following Friday’s meeting, the CBF officially terminated Dorival Junior’s contract immediately, citing a lack of tangible progress during his tenure. According to O Globo journalist Diogo Dantas, the coach will receive the full payment of his salary through the original end of his contract, which extends to after the 2026 World Cup.
Dorival’s contract included a termination clause covering both salary and image rights, totaling over R$1 million (approximately $200,000 USD) per month. With 16 months remaining until July 2026, he is expected to receive around $3 million USD in compensation.
Dorival leaves with a record of 7 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses from 16 matches in charge. Brazil continues to struggle to regain its identity in Neymar’s absence and has yet to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
