Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL MARQUINHOS PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Will Marquinhos be at the 2026 World Cup? That's the big question among Brazil fans who closely follow one of the most consistent defenders of the last decade. A quiet captain, a leader in the back line, and a key player for PSG, Marquinhos has been a regular in the Brazilian national team since 2014. But with the passage of time and the emergence of new defensive gems, many are wondering if the São Paulo native, born in 1994, still has what it takes to lead Brazil's defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who is Marquinhos today?
Marcos Aoás Corrêa, better known as Marquinhos, was born on May 14, 1994, in São Paulo, Brazil. His professional career took off quickly, debuting with Corinthians and then making the leap to European football with AS Roma in 2012. A year later, Paris Saint-Germain signed him for more than 30 million euros, making him one of the most expensive defenders of his generation.
Since then, Marquinhos has been synonymous with consistency. With more than a decade at PSG, he has won multiple domestic titles and captained the team in several seasons. With the Brazilian national team, he debuted in 2013 and has participated in multiple tournaments: Copa América, Olympic Games (winning gold in Rio 2016), and World Cups (2018 and 2022).
Key facts about Marquinhos
Date of birth: May 14, 1994
Current club: Paris Saint-Germain
Position: Central defender (he has also played as a right-back and defensive midfielder)
Appearances for Brazil (until 2025): 85
How has his recent performance been?
In recent seasons, Marquinhos has continued to perform at a high level. Despite PSG's ups and downs in European competitions, his individual performance has been solid. In Ligue 1 2023–2024, he played 30 matches, averaging 92% pass accuracy and leading the team in clearances and blocks. His ability to anticipate plays is one of his trademarks.
For the Brazilian national team, he has maintained his starting role in defense alongside players like Éder Militão and Gabriel Magalhães. In the South American Qualifiers for 2026, he has been a starter in key matches, demonstrating that he is still one of the trusted men in defense.
Recent Statistics (2023–2025)
Matches with PSG in 2023–2024: 38
Goals: 2Assist: 1
Interceptions per match: 2.1
Duels won: 67%
Fouls committed per match: 0.5
Physically, Marquinhos has kept himself in shape. He hasn't suffered any serious injuries in the last two years, and his physical conditioning has allowed him to be consistently available. His experience has also made him smarter at managing his energy in demanding matches.
Furthermore, his leadership has been essential in guiding a Brazilian defense in transition, with young talents who still need role models. Marquinhos fulfills that role quietly, but with authority and by example on the field.
Will Brazil qualify and will Marquinhos be there?
Brazil and the World Cup in the same sentence is almost a certainty. The most decorated team in the world (five titles) has practically guaranteed its presence at the 2026 World Cup thanks to its tradition, its talent, and its performance in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, where it usually finishes in the top spots.
Up to mid-2025, Brazil has had a solid performance in the qualifiers, and Marquinhos has been a fundamental part of that process.
Although there are young center-backs like Robert Renan or Bremer vying for a place, his experience and leadership are still necessary.Factors that favor his presence in 2026
He is one of the most experienced captains on the team
He maintains a high level at PSG and with the national team
He has not suffered any major injuries
His experience in previous World Cups makes him valuable
Brazil needs defensive role models for the younger players
Furthermore, his commitment to the national team has never been in doubt. Marquinhos is one of those players who always shows up, who doesn't back down in tough times, and who understands what it means to wear the Brazilian jersey. That carries enormous weight for any coach. Fun fact: although he's Brazilian through and through, Marquinhos has a Portuguese passport and could have played for Portugal if he'd wanted. But he chose Brazil from day one, without hesitation. That level of loyalty doesn't go unnoticed in the national team. In conclusion, barring a major surprise or a personal decision to step aside, Marquinhos has...
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