Brazil captain Marquinhos says the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be his final opportunity to lift football’s most coveted trophy, as the Seleção chase a record-extending sixth world title in North America.
The 32-year-old centre-back, who recently won back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain, believes Brazil have the quality and experience to translate their pedigree into World Cup success.
Marquinhos made the remarks in an interview published on FIFA’s official website on Friday, June 12, 2026, titled “Marquinhos Vows to Battle Pressure in Pursuit of World Cup Prize with Brazil.”
Brazil head into the tournament under the guidance of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti following a turbulent qualifying campaign that saw multiple coaching changes and a fifth-place finish in the CONMEBOL standings.
Despite the challenges, Marquinhos said confidence remains high within the squad, which boasts a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
Drawing parallels with Paris Saint-Germain’s rise from European heartbreak to continental glory, the defender stressed the importance of resilience at the highest level.
“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.”
Having suffered quarter-final exits at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Marquinhos said leadership becomes even more critical during difficult periods.
“Leaders really come into their own in difficult and challenging circumstances,” he 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 added that a captain’s responsibilities extend beyond performances on the pitch.
“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,” he said.
Brazil’s journey to the World Cup has coincided with a period of transition, but Marquinhos believes the depth of talent available gives the team genuine reason for optimism.
“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,” he said.
The defender also praised Ancelotti, describing the veteran coach as a proven winner capable of guiding Brazil back to the summit of world football.
“Ancelotti is a serial winner who has proven that he knows how to transform a team into champions,” Marquinhos 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, the tournament also carries deep personal significance. He recalled how Brazil’s World Cup triumph in 2002 inspired his love for football.
“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 what could be his third and final World Cup appearance, the Brazilian captain is determined to achieve the dream that has driven him since childhood.
“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,” he said.
With Brazil seeking to reclaim football’s biggest prize under Ancelotti, Marquinhos is fully aware of the significance of the moment.
“At 32, this might be my last chance,” he said.
