FIFA World Cup 2026: Lucas Paqueta suffers thigh injury, doubtful for Brazil's WC Round of 16
Texas, July 1
Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta suffered a muscle injury to the back of his left thigh during Brazil's 2-1 victory over Japan in the World Cup Round of 32 on Monday, the Brazilian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday.
Paqueta was forced off at halftime and replaced by forward Endrick. The CBF did not provide a timeline for his recovery, leaving his availability for Brazil's next World Cup match in doubt, as per Reuters.
"Paqueta underwent scans on Tuesday that confirmed a muscle injury to the back of his left thigh," the CBF said in a statement.
"The player will undergo an intensive treatment programme under the supervision of the national team's medical staff, with the aim of recovering and returning to action as soon as possible," it added.
Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner as Brazil mounted a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Japan 2-1, securing a hard-fought ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 in front of a packed stadium on Monday (local time).
Brazil advances to the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. While this Round of 32 clash in the expanded 2026 format produced an instant classic, matchups between these two nations on football's grandest stage are exceedingly rare.
History heavily favours Brazil in this matchup. Across 15 meetings, the Selecao have won 12, with 2 draws and just a single loss. But that one defeat looms large.
Months before this tournament, Japan pulled off a stunning 3-2 friendly win in Tokyo, their first ever against the South Americans.
— ANI
Reader Comments
That Martinelli winner was pure magic! 😍 Brazil's comeback from 0-1 down shows their champion mindset. But yes, losing Paqueta in midfield will be a worry against Ivory Coast or Norway. Endrick coming on as a sub is exciting though - young talent stepping up! India's football fans can learn a lot from Brazil's youth development system.
Honestly, I think Brazil are being a bit overconfident. Japan proved they can beat them in a friendly recently, and now with Paqueta out, the midfield balance is disrupted. I hope they don't underestimate their next opponent. That said, Brazil's World Cup record speaks for itself - 12 wins in 15 meetings is insane! Let's see how they adapt. 🤔
Muscle injuries in tournaments are always scary. Hope Paqueta recovers fully - football is better with top players on the field. Brazil vs Ivory Coast or Norway will be fascinating. I'm routing for an Ivory Coast upset! India needs to build better sports medicine facilities to prevent such injuries in our own athletes.
Watching Brazil play is always a treat! That 95th-minute winner from Martinelli gave me chills. Paqueta's injury is unfortunate, but Brazil has depth - Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and now Endrick. The expanded World Cup format is producing amazing matches like this. India should aim to qualify in 2030! 🇮🇳
Let's be real - even without Paqueta, Brazil are still favorites against most teams.
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