Brazil coach ‘counts on’ Marta for the Women’s World Cup at home

Brazil is counting on women’s football great Marta for the 2027 World Cup on home soil even if she turns 41, coach Arthur Elias said AFP.

Marta is a six-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year but has never won the World Cup and played in the Brazilian team that lost 2-0 to Germany in the 2007 final in China.

«I count on her, I count on all the players who are in shape, like Marta,» Elias said. AFP on Sunday.

“But neither she nor I know if she will participate, time will tell.”

Last May, Marta was called up to the Brazilian squad for the first time in nine months.

She had said after Brazil’s Olympic final defeat by the United States in August 2024 that she had probably played her last match for her country.

But once she was back in the squad, she was then selected for the Women’s Copa America in July 2025 and won it for the fourth time in her career.

She then revealed that she had not ruled out playing for the Selecao until the 2027 World Cup.

Her 17 goals in the tournament are a record.

Whoever he chooses, Elias believes Brazil, whose men’s team has been world champions five times, has a great chance of finally winning a first women’s title.

Brazil will become the first South American country to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027.

“We have a great opportunity because the Selecao are going through a great moment and we have young players who will continue to improve between now and the World Cup,” he said.

«It will be difficult, but playing at home increases our chances. I am optimistic.»

Published on January 26, 2026