At 40, Marta was called up to defend the Brazilian women’s team in two friendlies against the United States in June, as Brazil prepares to host the women’s World Cup for the first time next year.
The ‘Queen’ has not been called up by coach Arthur Elias since the 2025 Copa América, played in Ecuador, which ended with the Brazilians winning the title.
Brazil, which has never won the World Cup, will face the American team on June 6th in São Paulo and on the 9th in Fortaleza.
“I’m counting on her”, but about going to the World Cup, “neither she knows, nor do I. It’s only with time that we will know, down the line”, said the coach in a recent interview with AFP.
Star of the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, Marta made a difference even without being an absolute starter and was voted the best player at the Copa América.
In the final against Colombia, for example, number 10 entered the field in the 37th minute of the second half and scored two goals: the first forced extra time and the second, which tied the match at 4-4, took the title decision to penalties, with Brazil winning 5-4.
Marta participated in six tournament games, half of them starting on the bench, averaging 49 minutes per match, enough to score three goals and provide three assists.
If she plays in the World Cup, she will make her seventh appearance, after the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions, in which she scored 17 goals.
