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Brazil captain Marquinhos has responded to a statement from Japan star Kento Shiogai ahead of the two sides’ clash in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n
Shiogai, who plays for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at club level and has made one substitute appearance at the ongoing World Cup, recently said (via @poptime<\/a> on X):<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n “Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but what about now? I haven’t heard much about them these days… I think only France and Argentina are strong.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n After securing two wins and a draw in the group stage, Brazil qualified for the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the winners of Group C. The five-time champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) have scored seven goals and conceded just one thus far, with star winger Vini Jr leading their charge (four goals and an assist).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n Replying to Shiogai’s comments, Marquinhos said that it was just ‘arrogance’ and asserted that undermining his side just gives them more motivation to succeed. Speaking to CazeTV, the 32-year-old said (via @futebol_info<\/a> on X):<\/p>\n “It’s spot on, yeah (what he said). It’s good that they keep talking so they can keep motivating us… With a lot of humility, we’re working really hard toward our goal. We leave that kind of talk to the opponents, let them keep talking a lot to motivate us.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n “Maybe it was a bit of arrogance on their part. Brazil continues to be a great national team. We just need to show our great strength tomorrow, our great quality. We leave that to them, let it serve as motivation for us tomorrow, to fight for every ball and win this game the way we deserve,” Marquinhos added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n With stars like of Marquinhos, Vini Jr<\/a>, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, Neymar and Gabriel in their ranks, the Selecao <\/em>are aiming to win their sixth FIFA World Cup title at the 2026 edition.<\/p>\n Brazil<\/a> manager Carlo Ancelotti has provided a positive update on the fitness of star forward Neymar ahead of his side’s clash against Japan in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n The 34-year-old missed the Selecao’s<\/em> first two group stage fixtures, against Morocco and Haiti, due to a muscular injury. In the final Group C game against Scotland, he came off the bench to make his first international appearance since October 2023.<\/p>\n Ahead of the game against Japan, the role that Neymar<\/a> will play for Brazil has been widely debated. In a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti cleared the air on the issue, claiming (via beIN Sports<\/a>):<\/p>\n “Neymar is progressing very well. Over the last week he has improved a lot. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t train with us throughout the entire camp. He’s doing quite well. His role in the match will depend a lot on the context of the game and on his progress.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n On Monday (June 29), Brazil will face off against Japan in a mouth-watering Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“Will depend a lot on the context” – Carlo Ancelotti provides update on Neymar’s role for Brazil’s Round of 32 clash vs Japan at 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/h2>\n