Dourival Junior Leaves Sao Paulo to Coach the Brazilian National Team

Sao Paulo FC announced today, Sunday, the departure of coach Dourival Junior to lead the Brazilian national football team. Dourival Junior stated, "I wanted to achieve a personal dream, which would not have been possible without the trust of the officials through the work I did at Sao Paulo. I also want to thank the fans for their feelings of love and support." The Brazilian Football Confederation announced that interim coach Fernando Diniz would not continue in his role with the national team. Diniz was appointed as Brazil's interim coach under a one-year contract and led the country in six matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, during which the team suffered three losses, had one draw, and achieved two victories. Diniz was coaching Brazil alongside his work with Fluminense, with whom he won the Copa Libertadores last year. Brazil currently ranks sixth in the South American World Cup qualifiers. The Brazilian Football Confederation had been looking to appoint Carlo Ancelotti for the position this year, but the Italian coach preferred to renew his contract with Real Madrid.