The Brazilian team debuts in the 2026 World Cup this Saturday (13) against Morocco, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford (USA). At 32 years old, Marquinhos, defender of Paris Saint-Germain, takes on the captain’s armband and leads the defensive line in his third participation in the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the player’s central role in the quest for sixth.
Born in São Paulo, Marquinhos built a solid career in Europe and became a reference for leadership. He is experiencing the moment of greatest responsibility in the Seleção, especially with Neymar out due to a calf injury, and projects a solid defense to neutralize Moroccan counterattacks.
Where to watch Brazil vs Morocco live
The game, in the first round of Group C and scheduled for 7pm (Brasília time), will be broadcast on open TV by Globo and SBT. On subscription and pay-per-view channels, SporTV and NSports show. In streaming, CazéTV on YouTube, ge TV and Globoplay also show live.
Marquinhos’ leadership in Ancelotti’s strategy
The likely starting lineup has Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha. As captain and pillar of the defense, Marquinhos organizes the defense and distributes the game, essential to contain the danger of Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Rahimi.
On the Morocco side, coach Mohamed Ouahbi chooses Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riyadh and Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui and Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, Saibari and Rahimi. The semi-finalist team in 2022 is betting on compact marking and quick transitions, an initial test for Brazilian solidity.
Marquinhos in search of hexa and marks himself as captain
In his third World Cup, Marquinhos carries the experience of 2018 and 2022 and sees 2026 as a great opportunity to lift the trophy. As captain since 2019, he unites veterans and young talent in a squad in transition. A victory in the debut relieves Group C (with Haiti and Scotland) and strengthens the campaign for a sixth world title.
The Brazilian fans, who fill the MetLife Stadium, trust in the number 4’s leadership and race to command the defense in an expanded and demanding tournament. Marquinhos symbolizes stability and determination in the search for hexa.
