Brazil Loses Key Midfielder

Brazil's midfielder Lucas Paquetá has sustained a thigh injury and will miss the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway, according to local media reports. Furthermore, the projected recovery period is one month, effectively ending the midfielder's participation in the World Cup.

The midfielder will remain with the Brazilian national team in the USA to try and shorten this recovery time, but his chances of returning to the field during the World Cup are slim.

Internally, there's little optimism that Paquetá will recover in time even for a potential final. Nevertheless, he will stay with the squad due to the remote possibility of him being included as a substitute in a hypothetical final.

Paquetá picked up the injury at the end of the first half during Brazil's dramatic victory over Japan in the opening knockout stage match of the 2026 World Cup and was forced off at halftime, replaced by Endrick.

"Lucas Paquetá underwent an MRI scan, which confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh. The player will undergo intensive rehabilitation under the supervision of the national team's medical staff with the aim of returning to the field as quickly as possible," announced the country's football federation. However, they did not specify when Paquetá is expected to be available for "Seleção" coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Flamengo midfielder has started all four of Brazil's matches in the tournament so far, notably providing an assist in the group stage win against Haiti.

Brazil's match against the Scandinavians is scheduled for July 5th at 11:00 PM Bulgarian time in East Rutherford, New Jersey.