Thiago Silva, the former Chelsea star, remains hopeful about representing Brazil in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
At the age of 41, Silva, who captained the national squad during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, last played for Brazil during the quarterfinals in Qatar, where they were eliminated by Croatia in a penalty shootout.
Currently a key player for Fluminense, the club he joined after leaving Chelsea in 2024, Silva acknowledged that he is nearing the end of his football career. However, he shared his aspiration with France Football: “Can you imagine if I were to finish my career with a World Cup title?”
“That would be the ultimate dream and the perfect way to conclude my career.”
Silva has scored seven goals in 113 matches for Brazil, previously winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and the Copa América in 2019.
His current contract with Fluminense is set to expire in June 2026.
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“Yes, my decision to sign with Fluminense until June 2026 was somewhat planned,” the former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan center-back explained.
“While I haven’t received a call-up to Brazil’s squad since the 2022 World Cup, I believed it was still possible. That’s why I signed a two-year contract with Fluminense, to chase my World Cup dream.”
Brazil, now under the direction of coach Carlo Ancelotti, aims to secure the nation’s sixth World Cup title in 2026. They last won the tournament in 2002, with their closest attempt since being a fourth-place finish when they hosted in 2014.