We will be in the 2026 World Cup final. You can film me saying this: Dorival Junior
Speaking to the press before the match against Paraguay, Dorival Junior confidently predicted his team's place in the World Cup final in two years.
Brazil coach Dorival Junior has confidently declared that his team will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The manager made the bold statement during a press conference ahead of the side's qualifying matches.
Speaking to the press before the match against Paraguay, Dorival Junior confidently predicted his team's place in the World Cup final in two years. Journalist Fabrizio Romano quoted him as saying: "We will be in the 2026 World Cup final. We will be finalists. You can film me while I'm saying this. I have no doubts. We will be there."
Dorival Junior assumed the role of national team coach in January 2024. Following Brazil's disappointing campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under Tite, Ramon Menezes took over as interim manager, later passing the reins to Fernando Diniz in July 2023.
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The 62-year-old former Palmeiras player and coach took charge earlier this year. His first challenge was to lead the team through the 2024 Copa America without their star player, Neymar Jr. The Selecao began strongly but were eliminated in the quarter-final after a penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay.
Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, resumed their qualifying campaign under Dorival Junior with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday, September 7. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo scored the winning goal, keeping their qualification hopes on track. Dorival Junior's immediate focus is the away match against Paraguay tonight, September 10.
