Paquetá misses the World Cup: Brazil without its key midfielder
Brazil star Lucas Paquetá will miss the rest of the 2026 World Cup after being injured in the round of 16 against Japan. Ancelotti evaluates his replacement for the quarterfinals against Norway.
Lucas Paquetá, Brazil midfielder and key figure in Carlo Ancelotti's scheme, was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a muscle injury to his left thigh during the round of 16 match against Japan. The Flamengo player, who had been the undisputed starter in the national team, will not be available for the quarterfinals or for the rest of the tournament. The injury occurred in the 32nd minute of the match, when Paquetá received a collision after a tackle and left the field with obvious discomfort.
