The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is looking for a new chief after Dorival Júnior departed. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, there is increasingly speculation about who will be in charge of one of football's grand clubs. With bookmakers altering odds, Jorge Jesus emerges as the favourite, with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola still on the list.
Jorge Jesus: The Favourite
Veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who is currently in command of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, has been singled out as the 11/10 favourite to become the new Brazil national team boss. His achievements at Flamengo, where he led the side to Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles in 2019, have made him a familiar name in Brazilian football.
According to UK bookmaker websites, the favorite is Jesus, with Bet365 assigning him a 47.6% implied chance of being appointed. The Athletic sources claim that he and Carlo Ancelotti are the two favorites to be appointed to the role.
Next Brazil Manager - Current Betting Odds
| Manager | Odds | Probability (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Jorge Jesus | 11/10 | 47.6% |
| Carlo Ancelotti | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Pep Guardiola | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Abel Ferreira | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Renato Gaúcho | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Expert Opinion on Jorge Jesus
"Jorge Jesus both has the CV and regional achievement — especially in Brazil and Portugal — to be a genuine front-runner. On 11/10, bookmakers clearly pick up on backroom movement."
— Jake Ashton, Football Betting Expert (OLBG.com)
Carlo Ancelotti: A Wanted But Unlikely Contender
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti has long been linked to the Brazil job. The CBF has openly admired Ancelotti’s man-management skills and tactical flexibility, viewing him as an ideal candidate to lead the squad into the 2026 World Cup.
Despite such links, Ancelotti is still under contract at Real Madrid, and thus any transfer will be complicated. There have been exchange discussions, and there is some information suggesting a summer announcement can be made in case Madrid allows an early exit.
➡ Related Link: El detalle que puede marcar el futuro del Real Madrid
Pep Guardiola: An Ambitious but Unlikely Candidate
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola is another name that has been linked to the Brazil managerial role. Guardiola has expressed interest in coaching abroad in the past, but his strong commitment to Manchester City makes this move a long shot.
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has publicly voiced his support for Guardiola, believing that his style of possession football and tactical genius would transform the Seleção. Guardiola's City deal and prioritisation of club success make this a very unlikely one, however.
➡ Related Link: Ronaldo Calls for Guardiola to Take Brazil Job
Other Potential Candidates for the Brazil Job
While Jesus, Ancelotti, and Guardiola take center stage, other prominent names are also in the running:
- Abel Ferreira (10/1 odds) – Palmeiras manager who has been a huge success in Brazilian domestic football, winning many Copa Libertadores titles.
- Renato Gaúcho (16/1 odds) – Brazilian manager with strong roots in football culture in his homeland, renowned for his attack-minded style.
- Filipe Luís (20/1 odds) – The former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid defender, who is now a coach at Flamengo, has surprisingly emerged as an outside contender.
➡ Related Link: Filipe Luís Linked to Brazil Job
The Road to 2026: What's Next for Brazil?
The CBF is under pressure to move fast, with Brazil looking to restore ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After a disappointing 2022 season, expectations are high, and people are hoping for an appointment that can help restore Brazil to its position at the top on the global scene.
While Jorge Jesus seems to be the frontrunner, the uncertainty regarding Ancelotti and Guardiola keeps the rumor going. The CBF will make their announcement within the next few months, deciding Brazilian football's future.
Stay Updated
Stay up to date with the latest news on Brazil's new manager at:
✅ AS Sports
✅ The Athletic
✅ Bet365 Betting Insights