The Brazilian Soccer Confederation have dismissed national team coach Mario Zagallo and his entire coaching staff following the national side's failure to retain the World Cup in France.

The move was widely expected following the team's 3-0 hammering by the hosts in the final and the controversy surrounding star player Ronaldo's last-minute inclusion in the side following an illness.

"The saga will continue, and you'll have the last instalment when they name the new coach," Zagallo told waiting reporters. His successor is expected to be named by the end of next month.

Zagallo was in charge of the national team for 148 matches spanning two terms, and his record included 107 victories, 29 draws and 12 defeats. He coached arguably the finest Brazilian team ever to World Cup glory in Mexico in 1970 and took over again following their success in the 1994 tournament in the United States where he was technical supervisor.