The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Tuesday that Fluminense’s coach Fernando Diniz will take charge of Brazil as interim national team coach for a 12-month period, stepping in after the resignation of Tite and following the departure of the Under-20 manager Ramón Menezes.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues stated in a video shared by the federation that Fernando Diniz will decide the team’s path for the year ahead and expressed strong confidence in his proven track record. The president underscored the team’s belief in Diniz’s capability, highlighting his innovative approach to training and player development as key strengths that align with Brazil’s ongoing efforts to refresh its style of play. The arrangement is framed as a temporary bridge to a longer-term plan, with a focus on continuity and performance on the field. [Source: Globo TV coverage]
The contract is explicitly described as a one-year interim commitment, with the expectation that Carlo Ancelotti will assume the head role once his Real Madrid duties have been concluded, placing Ancelotti as the eventual successor. This transition is being guided by the CBF as they coordinate the timing and logistics of the handover, aiming to ensure a smooth shift when Ancelotti is available to take charge. [Source: CBF statements]
Rodrigues noted that Diniz’s philosophy resonates with the direction the federation wants to pursue, pointing to his previous work at Audax as evidence of a forward-thinking playing style. The confidence rests on Diniz’s ability to apply his training methods at the national team level and to adapt his tactical principles to the higher tempo and broader talent pool of Brazil. He also emphasized that Diniz’s methods are likely to be well-received by players across the squad.
In the same message, Diniz expressed gratitude and honored feeling about the assignment, describing it as a privilege to contribute to Brazil’s footballing ambitions. He stressed that the collaboration between CBF and Fluminense will be essential to implement the plan and push the team toward results that match the country’s high expectations. [Source: CBF press materials]
According to Diniz, some national-team contributors are already available for selection, including players like Bruno Guimarães and Antony, with the aim of nurturing a new generation that spans both domestic leagues and European clubs. The strategic focus will be on integrating established stars with emerging talents to build a cohesive team that can compete in major competitions in the coming year. [Source: team disclosures]
Rodrigues also reiterated that the choice of Diniz was driven by a philosophy similar to Ancelotti’s, noting that the Italian coach’s eventual return to Brazil is anticipated for the middle of next year. The leadership explained that Brazil has several capable coaches, but Diniz’s track record and his approach to renewing tactical practices made him the preferred option for this transitional period. [Source: federation remarks]
The federation’s official communications indicated that Diniz’s appointment would be finalized once the necessary administrative steps were completed, and that he would assume duties under Ancelotti’s guidance until the historical handover occurs. Brazil’s national team will introduce the new setup formally at the CBF headquarters in the near term. [Source: CBF announcements]
Diniz is scheduled to debut as Brazil’s interim coach in September, as the team prepares to face Bolivia and Peru in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This mark will begin a critical chapter for Brazil, testing the tactical shifts and player integration envisioned by the federation. The national team, sometimes referred to by fan communities as A Canarinha, is determined to maintain momentum following a recent period of transition. [Source: match schedule releases]
Previously, the team had said farewell to the long-serving coach Adenor Bacchi Tite after the Qatar 2022 campaign, with Menezes temporarily guiding the side for three fixtures, securing a win over Guinea while Brazil stumbled against Morocco and Senegal in the other two. [Source: match reports]
Ramon Menezes will shift his focus entirely to developing under-20 players, using his recent experience to shape a generation that can contribute across both domestic leagues and European clubs. This transitional phase is designed to prepare the broader pool for the national team’s future, ensuring continuity even as leadership evolves. [Source: federation notes]