Lucas Paqueta, 28, has sustained a left thigh muscle injury and will be absent from Brazil’s squad for the knockout match of the World Cup against the winner of the Ivory Coast and Norway match.
Paqueta started in Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Japan but was substituted at halftime for Endrick. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed his injury the following day.
Lucas Paqueta’s Injury Leaves Brazil Searching for Replacement in World Cup 2026
A medical examination conducted on Tuesday revealed a muscle injury in Paqueta’s left thigh. The player will undergo an intensive treatment protocol under the supervision of the Brazilian national team’s medical staff, aiming for a swift recovery and return to activity.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will need to find a replacement for Paqueta in the starting lineup, with Danilo Santos emerging as a likely candidate. Another option available to the coach is Fabinho, the former Liverpool player, who offers a more defensive profile compared to Paqueta.
Lucas Paqueta began his European career in early 2019 when AC Milan paid €38.4 million for him. After a season and a half in Serie A, he transferred to Lyon for €23.4 million and played for two seasons in Ligue 1. In the summer of 2022, West Ham acquired Paqueta for €43 million, where he spent three and a half seasons before returning to Flamengo this winter.
Paqueta was a starter in all three of Brazil’s group matches, consistently nearing the 60-minute mark for substitutions. In the second match, he provided an assist in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti.
