Paqueta Injury Threatens Brazil World Cup Run

Lucas Paqueta’s World Cup campaign hangs in the balance after the Brazil midfielder was ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained during the team's victory over Japan. The medical staff confirmed the diagnosis shortly after the match, revealing a significant strain that will sideline the playmaker for a critical stretch of the international calendar. This timeline creates a precarious situation for the national team, as the recovery period overlaps with key preparation phases for the 2026 tournament.

Paqueta had been instrumental in the midfield during the recent fixtures, providing the creative spark that Brazil relies on to break down organized defenses. Losing him for even a short window disrupts the chemistry the squad has worked hard to build. The injury occurred in the aftermath of a physical encounter against Japan, a match meant to test the squad's depth and resilience.