For Marquinhos, the tournament may carry the emotional weight of a final World Cup. A report says the Brazil defender is expected to have wife Carol Cabrino and their three children close by in North America.
That presence could matter greatly if this is indeed his last appearance on football’s biggest stage. Marquinhos has spent years carrying expectations at the heart of Brazil’s defence, and a potential farewell would bring another layer to every match, press conference and final whistle.
Cabrino’s account of their early relationship, quoted above, is a reminder that the story began long before the stadium lights and international pressure.
Neymar enters the tournament with his own uncertainty. The report says he was included by Carlo Ancelotti despite not yet featuring for Brazil under the Italian, while an injury could still affect his availability.
His reported retention of the famous No. 10 shirt signals the importance he continues to hold within the squad. Bruna Biancardi is expected to support him again, having shared previous stages of his career and his recovery from a serious knee injury.
For Neymar, the challenge is therefore both physical and emotional: proving he can contribute while managing the demands that have followed him throughout his career.
The report also says several other players may have partners and relatives nearby:
As Brazil’s opening match approaches, the focus will naturally turn to tactics and results. Yet behind the squad will be a travelling network of families, partners and children-supporters shaping the human side of a campaign chasing a sixth world title.