The 62-year-old coach lost his job on Friday night, having managed just seven wins in 16 matches since taking over in January 2024.

The decisive blow came with a humiliating 4-1 defeat to rivals Argentina during the international break, leaving Brazil clinging to fourth place in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano broke the news of Dorival's exit late Friday, stating, "Brazil have fired Dorival Junior following the 4-1 defeat vs Argentina. He's no longer the head coach as Brazil are now looking for a new manager with immediate effect."

The loss to Argentina exposed Brazil's struggles, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) wasted no time in launching their hunt for a fresh face to lead the Selecao into the 2026 World Cup.

Guardiola, long admired for his tactical brilliance at Manchester City, tops a shortlist that also includes Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti and Al Hilal's Jorge Jesus, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.

The 54-year-old Spaniard has hinted at his desire to step into international management, saying last year, "I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that."

He added, "When I started in this I never thought about winning a league title or the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK. I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa America, or whatever it is. I would like that."

With his Manchester City contract running until mid-2027, any move would hinge on negotiations, but posts on X suggest the CBF have been persistent, contacting Guardiola multiple times this year.

UOL's report shed light on Brazil's preferences, noting, "If he had to choose one, President Ednaldo Rodrigues would put Ancelotti in the role. The Italian is an 'old' love, who did not sign when the CBF initially wanted, in 2023." Ancelotti, however, has played down speculation, saying recently he has not been approached by Brazil and remains committed to Real Madrid, where his deal lasts until mid-2026.

Despite this, Rodrigues is keeping his options open. "The president of the CBF knows that he needs to broaden the field," the report continued. "That's why he's expanding the front that includes, for example, Guardiola and Jorge Jesus."

The CBF are already working the phones, with intermediaries tasked to gauge each coach's availability. "After that, it's a matter of understanding which is more viable and how and if the respective conversations will move forward," UOL explained. Even Palmeiras' Abel Ferreira could emerge as a dark horse if the big names prove elusive.

For now, Brazil are in a race against time. Their next qualifiers, against Ecuador and Paraguay, loom in June, and the CBF are desperate to appoint a heavyweight to restore the five-time world champions to their former glory. Guardiola, with his trophy-laden tenure at Manchester City, could be the man to spark that revival, if Brazil can prise him away from the Etihad.

Report: Pep Guardiola targeted as Brazil swing axe on Dorival Junior