Marquinhos Claps Back at Japan's Trash Talk: 'Keep Motivating Us'

A reserve Japanese striker said Brazil 'isn't the same anymore.' Brazil's captain heard it loud and clear—and he's using it as fuel heading into Monday's knockout clash in Houston.

The Matchup

• KickoffMonday, 2pm ET
• LocationHouston
• Marquinhos caps108
• Shiogai's WC minutes7
• Japan's group finish2nd in Group F
• Brazil's last WC exitCroatia, penalties

The Quote That Sparked a Fire

It started with a simple interview. Kento Shiogai, a reserve forward for Japan who's played all of seven minutes in this World Cup, told Kyodo News on Saturday that 'Brazil isn't the same as before.' Bold words from a bench player facing the five-time champions.

By Sunday, the quote had rippled through Brazil's locker room. Captain Marquinhos didn't hold back when asked about it. 'It's good they keep talking—it keeps motivating our team,' he told Cazé TV. 'We've been here in the U.S. for almost a month now. With a lot of humility, we're working hard toward our goal. We'll let opponents do the talking. Let them keep going—it fuels us.'

Then came the jab: 'Maybe it was a bit of arrogance on their part.' Marquinhos wasn't done. He pointed out that Brazil remains a powerhouse, and Monday's match will be the proof. 'Every ball could be decisive. We'll leave this kind of talk to them. Let it motivate us to fight for every ball and win this game the way we deserve.'

Ancelotti Stays Cool, Marquinhos Brings the Heat

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti took the diplomatic route when asked about Shiogai's comment. 'We're not going to talk about that. We're focused on the match, on the opponent's qualities. We're preparing to create problems and avoid them. We won't enter this mental game,' Ancelotti said.

But Marquinhos? He's playing it differently. The PSG defender knows exactly how motivation works in knockout football, and he's not letting a quote from a reserve slide quietly into the background. The Brazilian squad has clearly discussed it—and they're treating it as bulletin-board material.

Lessons from Upsets: Botafogo, Croatia, and Respect

Marquinhos isn't just throwing shade—he's speaking from experience. He brought up two painful memories to illustrate why Brazil can't afford to underestimate anyone.

First, the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against Croatia. Brazil was up 1-0 in extra time, four minutes from the semifinal. Then Croatia equalized and won on penalties. 'Maybe people said we were much better than them,' Marquinhos reflected. The sting is still there.

Second, the 2023 Club World Cup. His PSG side, stacked with superstars, lost to Botafogo—a team many assumed they'd steamroll. 'Many said we were way above Botafogo. But in football, you have to show it on the field,' he said.

The message is clear: favorites mean nothing once the whistle blows. Japan earned their way to the knockout stage, and Marquinhos knows it. 'They're a very qualified team. They got here on merit. But we also know our strength. We've been improving with each game.'

How Brazil Got Here

• Match 1 Shaky start in group stage opener — Brazil didn't dominate early but got the job done
• Match 2 Improvement in second group game — The Seleção found better rhythm
• Match 3 Best performance in final group match — Brazil hit form heading into knockouts
• Now Round of 16 vs Japan — A new competition begins—single elimination

Knockouts Are a Different Beast

Marquinhos emphasized that the knockout rounds demand a different mindset. 'The group stage is one thing—the important part is qualifying. Now it's a new competition. We have to take it one step at a time. From experience in other World Cups, we've seen how important it is to stay focused on every moment, every detail of the game. That's what we'll do.'

He's not wrong. Brazil's recent World Cup history is littered with shocking exits—Germany 7-1 in 2014, Belgium in 2018, Croatia in 2022. The talent has never been the issue. The execution in crunch moments has been.

Japan, meanwhile, comes in with nothing to lose. They drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opener and advanced as runners-up in Group F. Shiogai has barely featured, but his words have done their job—whether he meant to or not.

Key Players to Watch

Marquinhos (Brazil Captain | Defender)

108 caps, PSG stalwart, vocal leader. Using Japan's words as motivation and bringing experience from painful knockout losses.

Kento Shiogai (Japan Forward | Reserve)

Seven World Cup minutes so far, but his off-field comments have grabbed headlines. Will he get on the pitch to back them up?

Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil Manager)

The calm tactician steering Brazil. Refusing to engage in mind games, focused purely on preparation and execution.

FAQ

Shiogai told Kyodo News that 'Brazil isn't the same as before,' suggesting the five-time champions are no longer the dominant force they once were. The comment was made ahead of Japan's knockout match against Brazil.

No. He's appeared in just one of Japan's three group-stage matches, coming on as a substitute in the 83rd minute of the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. He's played seven total minutes.

He used it as an example of why Brazil can't overlook any opponent. PSG was heavily favored in the 2023 Club World Cup but lost to Botafogo. Marquinhos' point: reputation doesn't win games—performance does.

Monday at 2pm ET in Houston, Texas. It's a Round of 16 knockout match in the 2026 World Cup, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.