Brazil captain, Marquinhos, has admitted the 2026 FIFA World Cup could represent his final opportunity to win football’s biggest prize as the Seleção pursue a record-extending sixth title in North America.
The 32-year-old defender arrives at the tournament with vast experience and renewed confidence after helping French champions Paris Saint-Germain secure back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles.
Speaking in an interview published on FIFA’s official website on Friday, the PSG skipper stressed the importance of translating club success into international glory under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The interview was titled: “Marquinhos vows to battle pressure in pursuit of World Cup prize with Brazil.”
Brazil enter the competition following an inconsistent qualifying campaign that saw managerial changes and a fifth-place finish in the CONMEBOL standings before Ancelotti’s appointment restored optimism around the national team.
Despite the turbulent road to qualification, Marquinhos believes the squad possesses enough quality and depth to challenge for the trophy, with several attacking stars expected to play key roles during the tournament.
Reflecting on the pressure associated with elite football, the centre-back compared Brazil’s World Cup ambition to PSG’s long pursuit of European success.
“I’ve experienced that [frustration] at club level and so have some of the others in the squad,” Brazil captain Marquinhos 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.”
Having suffered quarter-final exits with Brazil at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Marquinhos explained that leadership becomes even more important during difficult moments, especially for younger players experiencing the pressure of international football.
“Leaders really come into their own in difficult and challenging circumstances,” Marquinhos told FIFA. “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 also underlined the importance of remaining calm and focused whenever performances or results fall below expectations.
“That really is part and parcel of being a captain or leader,” he 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.”
Marquinhos further praised the balance and quality within the current Brazil squad, insisting the players are gradually developing a stronger identity under Ancelotti.
“We’ve got so many great players, with a plethora of options in all areas. We need to continue to mould our identity and understand how we can hurt our opponents and how best to adapt when the going gets tough,” the PSG captain declared.
Ancelotti’s arrival has brought fresh belief to the Brazilian camp, with Marquinhos highlighting the Italian’s pedigree and winning mentality as key factors behind the renewed confidence.
“Ancelotti is a serial winner who has proven that he knows how to transform a team into champions,” the UEFA Champions League two-time winner said. “I think it’s important for us to have him in charge right now. He’s dealt remarkably well with the challenges and the pressure that come with the territory.
“We’re delighted to have a manager like him, who really understands his squad, his players, and who knows so much about the tactical side of the game, and even more about what it takes to become a champion. He’s brought a real spark to the group, that extra edge we needed going into this World Cup.”
Marquinhos also reflected on the childhood memories that inspired his dream of representing Brazil on football’s biggest stage.
“When I was a kid, I saw our country become five-time champions with that win at the 2002 tournament. That lit the touchpaper for my passion for football, Brazil and the World Cup,” he said.
Now preparing for his third World Cup appearance, the Brazilian captain admitted lifting the trophy would represent the greatest achievement of his career.
“Every player who gets their hands on the trophy says that it’s without question the greatest moment of their lives. I want to experience that for myself. If I were to win the World Cup, it would be the pinnacle of my life and career,” Marquinhos stated.
With Brazil beginning a new era under Ancelotti, the experienced defender acknowledged the urgency surrounding this campaign.
“At 32, this might be my last chance,” he concluded.
