Marquinhos cites pain from eliminations as fuel for Brazil in 2026

One of the most experienced and leading players in the Brazilian squad, defender Marquinhos is heading towards his third World Cup with Amarelinha. Painfully eliminated in the last two editions, he explained how this could interfere with the 2026 edition.

Marquinhos watched Belgium's elimination from the bench in 2018 and was a starter, including missing the final penalty against Croatia, in 2022.

"I see many champions who were part of cycles that they were unable to win, but who won in the following cycle. This can be a positive experience for this team, having players who went through bad times, who were unable to win, and bringing this experience, this motivation to the players who are competing in the World Cup for the first time", he began.

In addition to the defender, Brazil has 14 other players in the 2026 squad who have already played at least one World Cup before and felt the bitter taste of elimination.

"We, who know the pain of not winning a World Cup, of being eliminated, have to bring a little experience", he concluded.

Is an imperfect cycle a sign?
The Brazilian Cup cycle was very turbulent, with few ups and many downs, as well as constant changes in command, with four coaches in total.

Furthermore, in the Qualifiers, he was only in fifth place, earning a humiliating defeat for Argentina along the way.

The scenario is different from the last two World Cups, when Brazil indoctrinated with Tite in both cycles. Despite this, Marquinhos recalled that other teams have already gone through the same thing and ended up world champions.

"We arrived at other World Cups very well, with high expectations, and we didn't manage to (be champions). This moment is very different from those we experienced in recent times. Football gives you surprises. The last champions showed that they knew how to grow at an important moment in the competition", he said.

The defender also recalled that in his own team, PSG, the current season started below expectations, but ended with a second consecutive Champions League title.

Brazil at the 2026 World Cup
Brazil is in Group C of the World Cup, alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, respectively opponents on the 13th, 19th and 24th of June. Five-time champions, the Brazilian team is seeking its first world title since 2002.

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Source: CNN