By Monsurat Abisoye
Brazil captain Marquinhos has said the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be his last opportunity to win football’s biggest prize as he prepares to lead the Seleção in North America.
The 32-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender, a back-to-back UEFA Champions League winner, urged Brazil to convert their talent into success as they chase a record-extending sixth World Cup title. He made the comments in an interview published on the FIFA website on Friday.
Brazil head into the tournament under Carlo Ancelotti after a turbulent qualification campaign that ended with a fifth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying and several coaching changes. Despite this, there is optimism in the squad, which blends attacking quality with a new tactical direction under the Italian manager.
Marquinhos, who suffered quarter-final exits at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, stressed the importance of discipline and leadership in major tournaments, especially for younger players. He said success depends on fine margins, staying focused, and managing difficult moments on the pitch.
He also praised Ancelotti, describing him as a serial winner who has brought stability, tactical strength, and renewed confidence to the squad ahead of the competition.
Reflecting on his journey, Marquinhos said winning the World Cup would be the pinnacle of his career, inspired by Brazil’s 2002 triumph. He concluded by admitting, “At 32, this might be my last chance.”