Marquinhos: 2026 World Cup could be final shot at glory

Brazil's captain Marquinhos approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a mix of experience, regret, and ambition, viewing this tournament as potentially his final opportunity to secure football's most coveted trophy. The 32-year-old center-back, fresh off consecutive UEFA Champions League victories with Paris Saint-Germain, has called on Brazil to translate their renowned pedigree into tangible World Cup success as they pursue a record sixth title in North America.

In an interview with the FIFA website, titled “Marquinhos vows to battle pressure in pursuit of World Cup prize with Brazil,” the PSG captain shared his perspective. The Seleção enter the competition under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, following a challenging qualification campaign marked by coaching changes and a fifth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying. Despite this inconsistency, confidence remains high within the squad, which boasts abundant attacking talent and a renewed tactical structure under a highly decorated manager.

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I’ve experienced that [frustration] at club level and so have some of the others in the squad. We know that standards are extremely high and that it all comes down to the finest details: making as few mistakes as possible, capitalising on our opponents’ errors and staying strong because we know we’ll have to pull through some difficult moments.

Marquinhos drew parallels between PSG's journey from repeated European disappointment to continental dominance and the demands of international competition. "I’ve experienced that [frustration] at club level and so have some of the others in the squad," he told FIFA. "We know that standards are extremely high and that it all comes down to the finest details: making as few mistakes as possible, capitalising on our opponents’ errors and staying strong because we know we’ll have to pull through some difficult moments."

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Leaders really come into their own in difficult and challenging circumstances. That’s when you need to step up and carry the mantle of responsibility, especially for the younger players, for those who aren’t used to the pressure cooker and the furore that surrounds the national team when times get tough.

Having experienced World Cup quarter-final eliminations in both 2018 and 2022, Marquinhos highlighted the critical role of leadership in adversity, particularly for younger players navigating the intense pressure of international football. "Leaders really come into their own in difficult and challenging circumstances," he stated. "That’s when you need to step up and carry the mantle of responsibility, especially for the younger players, for those who aren’t used to the pressure cooker and the furore that surrounds the national team when times get tough."

He further stressed that leadership extends beyond matchdays, especially when results are unfavorable. "That really is part and parcel of being a captain or leader," Marquinhos told FIFA. "When times get tough, you need to be strong, help maintain a sense of calm and understand that you can turn things around through hard work, training and dedication." The Brazilian squad's depth offers significant optimism, with Marquinhos believing they have numerous talented players and options across all positions.

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That really is part and parcel of being a captain or leader. When times get tough, you need to be strong, help maintain a sense of calm and understand that you can turn things around through hard work, training and dedication.