Dorival Jnr Takes Over As Brazil's New National Team Manager

The 61-year-old will become a permanent replacement for Fernando Diniz, who was sacked last week after six games in charge.

Dorival has been handed a contract until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

His first games in charge of Brazil will come in international friendlies against England and Spain in March.

Brazil have work to do to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing three of their opening six qualifying matches.

Brazil were expecting to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as permanent manager this summer when his Real Madrid contract was due to expire but the Italian recently signed a two-year extension in the Spanish capital.

"Sao Paulo Football Club announces the departure of coach Dorival Junior, who has asked to leave to take charge of the Brazilian national team," the team said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

"It is the realization of a personal dream, which was only possible because I received recognition for the work carried out in Sao Paulo," Dorival said in a statement released by Sao Paulo.

"I would also like to thank the fans for all their love and support."

Some of Dorival's former clubs include Vasco Da Gama, Santos, Palmeiras, Internacional and Flamengo, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2022.