Brazil’s forward #10 Marta gestures during a friendly football match between Brazil and Japan, at … More
Brazilian soccer legend Marta believes it is “too early” to decide whether she will play at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil, saying she holds a “very strong” desire to become a mother.
Brazil will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, becoming the first South American nation to do so.
During the June 24-July 25 tournament, all eyes will be on their prolific forward Marta, a six-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, who will be 41 years old at the time of the tournament.
Although Marta initially announced her international retirement last year after their silver medal achievement at the Paris Olympics, she made a comeback for the national team in May this year and is part of their ongoing Copa America Femenina campaign.
No longer feeling the weight of pressure to prove herself, Marta says she wants to enjoy every moment of playing the sport, taking it one day at a time.
“I don’t know whether I’ll still be playing in 2027 or whether I’ll be fit. It’s too early to say that I’m definitely going to play. I still have a very strong desire to be a mother,” Marta told Brazilian media Globo’s Esporte Espetacular TV program on Sunday.
“So, I might wake up one day and decide to call my doctor to see if it’s still possible. If it is, then bye, I have to go.”
Marta Hopes Brazil Can Throw A ‘Beautiful Party’
Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA Men’s World Cup. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 119 goals, Marta has played at six World Cups, making her debut in 2003. However, she is yet to win a World Cup, coming closest in Brazil’s runner-up finish at the 2007 edition in China.
Marta, who became the first player in world football to score in five World Cups during the 2019 tournament, added that regardless of her participation in the 32-team tournament, she hopes for her country to host a memorable World Cup.
“I hope that Brazil can uphold its tradition of throwing a beautiful party, enjoying the moment and welcoming people warmly. This competition is unique for our continent and South America,” the 39-year-old said.
Spain will be the defending world champions in 2027, having sealed their maiden title by beating England in the final at the 2023 edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Marta’s last World Cup appearance came in the 2023 edition, where she did not register a goal or an assist as the Brazilians were knocked out in the group stage.
Marta Talks About Brazil’s Copa America Femenina Target
QUITO, ECUADOR – JULY 13: Players of Brazil pose before the CONMEBOL Copa America Femenina 2025 … More
With a year left on her contract with the NWSL team Orlando Pride, Marta also said that her participation at the next World Cup will depend on her technical fitness and her daily motivation to work on the pitch.
Currently playing the 2026 Copa America Femenina with Brazil, Marta expects the team to lift their record-extending ninth title. The Brazilians have won six of the tournament’s last seven editions.
“Brazil is the favorite, and we know it,” Marta said. “We know our responsibility to bring home the title. But it’s no use just being the favorite if you don’t perform and make things happen on the pitch.”
Brazil started their title defense with a 2-0 victory over Venezuela in Group B on Sunday. The 10-team competition is being held in Ecuador from July 11 to August 25.
