After the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) decided to end Dorival Jr.‘s term as coach of the Brazilian National Team, following a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires, the search for a new coach has intensified. The main mission is to prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup. Betfair, a sports betting provider, points out that, for the first time in recent history, a foreigner could take over the position permanently.
Considering the entire history of the Brazilian National Team, the idea of a foreign coach is not unprecedented. In more than 110 years, three foreigners have led Brazil: Uruguayan Ramón Platero, Portuguese Joreca and Argentine Filpo Núñez.
Together, they have played just seven games, with five wins, one draw and one defeat. However, a foreign coach with a long contract, capable of leading the national team in a World Cup, would be a novelty.
Favorite names
Betfair highlights Jorge Jesus as the favorite to take over the position, with 34.2% chances, which indicates an increase in the possibility of a foreigner leading the team.
According to Betfair, “the Portuguese player won over Brazilian fans after his historic campaign with Flamengo in 2019, when he led the team to the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles.”
Carlo Ancelotti is also a strong name in the running, with a 23.9% chance. According to the analysis, “the Italian has flirted with the national team a few times, including talks in 2024, but he remains firmly at Real Madrid”. Pep Guardiola, despite a turbulent time at Manchester City, has a 17.9% chance.
Abel Ferreira, who won 10 titles with Palmeiras in the last five years, is the fourth most likely, with a 6.5% probability. Renato Gaúcho, currently without a club, is the Brazilian with the most chances, tied with Tite, who coached the national team in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, both with 4.2%. Filipe Luís, José Mourinho and Fernando Diniz are also mentioned, but with lower chances.
Probabilities of coaches in the Brazilian team
See below the list of possible coaches and probabilities:
| Coach | Probability |
|---|---|
| Jorge Jesus | 34,2% |
| Carlo Ancelotti | 23,9% |
| Pep Guardiola | 17,9% |
| Abel Ferreira | 6,5% |
| Renato Gaúcho | 4,2% |
| Tite | 4,2% |
| Filipe Luís | 2,7% |
| José Mourinho | 2,7% |
| Fernando Diniz | 2,1% |
| Luiz Felipe Scolari | 1,4% |
