Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta is expected to be out of action for approximately three weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during the team's Round of 32 victory over Japan, according to ESPN. This development could see the 28-year-old miss the remainder of Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
Paqueta, a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti's side throughout the tournament, limped off at half-time during Brazil's 2-1 win over Japan. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the injury in a statement, revealing that an imaging exam showed a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
The CBF statement said: "Paqueta underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh. The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, under the supervision of the Brazilian national team's medical staff, with the goal of recovering and returning to action as soon as possible."
According to ESPN, Paqueta has suffered a grade-two strain, which typically requires around three weeks of recovery. This means he has already been ruled out of Brazil's Round of 16 clash against Norway in New Jersey on Sunday, and his participation in any further World Cup matches remains highly uncertain.
Impact on Brazil's World Cup Campaign
Paqueta's absence is a significant blow to Brazil's hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title. The West Ham United midfielder has been instrumental in Ancelotti's midfield, providing creativity and defensive cover. Without him, Brazil will need to rely on other options such as Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, or Fred to fill the void.
Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Japan. Japan took the lead in the first half through Kaishu Sano, who intercepted a loose ball and sprinted 40 yards before firing past Alisson. Brazil equalized in the second half when Gabriel Magalhaes delivered a precise cross for Casemiro to head home. The winner came in the 95th minute when Danilo won the ball back and found Endrick, who laid it off for Bruno Guimaraes. Guimaraes slipped a perfect pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who calmly slotted into the far corner to seal the victory.
Brazil's Path Forward
Brazil will now face Norway in the Round of 16 without Paqueta. The team's depth will be tested as they aim to progress deeper into the tournament. Ancelotti will hope that Paqueta can recover in time for a potential quarterfinal or semifinal, but the three-week timeline suggests he may not feature again in the World Cup.
Brazil's medical staff will continue to monitor Paqueta's progress, but the injury is a major setback for a team that has shown resilience and attacking flair in the tournament so far.
