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Lucas Paqueta Emerges as a Significant Loss for Brazil Heading Into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The midfielder was injured against Japan and will not be available against Norway; his recovery is on a tight schedule in a team that already has key absences.
Paquetá still in doubt
Lucas Paquetá has become a big question mark for Brazil in this World Cup. The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-1 win over Japan and had to leave at halftime, replaced by Endrick. Gabriel Martinelli's goal secured their qualification, but the concern remained: Paquetá will not be facing Norway on Sunday in New Jersey, and his recovery is a race against time
Paqueta will undergo a recovery process
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the diagnosis: "The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, under the supervision of the medical staff, with the aim of returning as soon as possible," it said in a statement
Another injury for the Canarinha
The situation is complicated because Raphinha was also out with a similar injury, and Neymar barely played any minutes off the bench. Ancelotti will have to rebuild his offensive lineup in a match with an uncomfortable track record: Norway has never lost to Brazil in four games, including the 2-1 in France 1998.
The "Canarinha" has advanced through nine of its last ten round of 16 matches, but has been on a losing streak against European teams since 2002. With Paquetá undergoing treatment and several other players out, Brazil faces a double challenge, breaking the statistics and sustaining the World Cup dream
