Brazil's captain Marquinhos is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with experience, ambition, and some regrets. He believes this might be his last chance to win the biggest prize in football.
The 32-year-old defender has just celebrated back-to-back UEFA Champions League wins with Paris Saint-Germain. He has urged the Brazilian team to turn their talent into World Cup success as they aim for a record sixth title in North America.
Marquinhos shared his thoughts in an interview posted on the FIFA website on Friday. The interview was titled, "Marquinhos vows to battle pressure in pursuit of World Cup prize with Brazil."
The Seleção will compete under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti after a tough qualification period with changes in coaching and a fifth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Despite the bumps along the way, there is strong belief in the team. Marquinhos will lead a squad filled with attacking talent and a fresh tactical approach under one of football's most respected managers.
Marquinhos reflected on the high demands of top-level competition, drawing lessons from PSG's journey from past disappointments to their current success.
"I’ve experienced that frustration at club level, and so have some of the others in the squad," 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."
Marquinhos has faced heartbreak in the World Cup, being eliminated in the quarter-finals in both 2018 and 2022. He feels that leadership is crucial during tough times, especially for younger players who might struggle with the pressure of international football.
"Leaders really come into their own in difficult and challenging circumstances," Marquinhos said. "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 mentioned that a captain's duties go beyond just game day, especially when results are not good.
"That really is part and parcel of being a captain or leader," he explained. "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."
Brazil's journey to the World Cup has involved changes, but Marquinhos believes the squad's depth brings hope as they head into the tournament.
"We’ve got so many great players, with a lot 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 stated.
A key player in this change is Carlo Ancelotti, whose track record as a successful manager has brought stability to the Seleção. Marquinhos quickly pointed out how important Ancelotti is.
"Ancelotti is a serial winner who has proven that he knows how to transform a team into champions," the two-time Champions League 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."
For Marquinhos, this tournament holds special meaning because of his childhood dreams. He grew up watching Brazil win in 2002, a moment that shaped his football passion.
"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 shared.
Now, he has gone from a young fan to the national captain on football’s biggest stage. After playing in Russia 2018 and starting in Qatar 2022, he faces what could be his most important tournament.
"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 said.
With Brazil aiming for history again and Ancelotti leading a new phase, Marquinhos knows what is at stake.
"At 32, this might be my last chance," he concluded.
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