There’s critical doubt as as to whether Lucas Paqueta can be obtainable for the rest of the World Cup.
Brazilian midfielder Paqueta sustained a hamstring harm throughout the Selecao’s match in opposition to Japan on Monday.
The previous West Ham playmaker was despatched off at half-time and changed by Endrick.
Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect received with a late purpose from Gabriel Martinelli and can face Norway within the final 16.
Nonetheless, Paqueta didn’t play in that sport on Sunday and faces a race in opposition to time to be obtainable for the remaining matches of the event if Brazil advance.
Brazil 2-1 Japan
How one can measure heartbreak: Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time purpose (95:00) is the latest regular-time winner of a World Cup finals event on document (since 1966). pic.twitter.com/5jJcHGtZyr
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 29, 2026
The Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) mentioned in an announcement: “Paqueta underwent an imaging check that confirmed a muscle harm behind his left thigh.”
“The participant will comply with an intensive remedy protocol underneath the supervision of the Brazilian nationwide staff medical workers, with the purpose of recovering and returning to competitors as shortly as attainable.”
Brazil have been already with out star winger Rafinha, who suffered a hamstring harm early within the event, and Neymar was restricted to a quick cameo off the bench.
Ancelotti’s aspect will face Norway on Sunday on the New Jersey Stadium in New York.
Brazil have received 9 of their final 10 World Cup spherical of 16 matches, the one time they failed to take action was in 1990 (shedding 1-0 to Argentina).
Nonetheless, since defeating Germany within the 2002 closing, Brazil has misplaced or been eradicated from the ultimate six World Cup tournaments in opposition to European opponents.
That is the fifth time Brazil and Norway have performed in all competitions, and the second time in a World Cup since Norway received 2-1 in 1998. In reality, the Vikings are undefeated (2 wins, 2 attracts) in every of the final 4 video games between each groups.
