Brazil Captain Marquinhos Approaches World Cup Like His Last Chance

Brazil's captain, Marquinhos, is approaching the 2026 World Cup with an intensity usually reserved for a final opportunity. "I am living this moment more and more as if it were my last World Cup," the defender stated during the team's first press conference upon arrival in the United States.

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I am living this moment more and more as if it were my last World Cup.

Marquinhos, 32, a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, will be participating in his third World Cup. Brazil's previous two appearances in 2018 and 2022 ended in quarter-final defeats. "We know the pain of not winning a World Cup, of being eliminated," Marquinhos said, emphasizing that these past experiences should serve as valuable lessons for the current squad, which includes seasoned players like Neymar and Casemiro.

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We know the pain of not winning a World Cup, of being eliminated.

The Seleção has not won the World Cup since their fifth title in 2002. Marquinhos expressed his determination to change this statistic, stating, "I am living this moment more and more as if it were my last match, my last World Cup, my last chance to be winning titles." Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially named Marquinhos as the team's captain.

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I am living this moment more and more as if it were my last match, my last World Cup, my last chance to be winning titles.

Looking ahead to the conditions in North America, Marquinhos cautioned about the high temperatures. "The team that starts by winning has a very big advantage, because chasing a result in the heat and sun is even more exhausting," he noted. Brazil is set to debut on June 13 against Morocco in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti. They will play a final friendly match against Egypt on Saturday.

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The team that starts by winning has a very big advantage, because chasing a result in the heat and sun is even more exhausting.