Brazil have been dealt a significant setback in their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with midfielder Lucas Paqueta expected to be sidelined for around three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during the Round of 32 victory over Japan, according to ESPN.
Paqueta, one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most influential players throughout the tournament, picked up the injury in Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Japan and was forced off at half-time. His potential absence could prove to be a major blow as Brazil prepare for the knockout stages.
CBF Confirms Hamstring Injury
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that medical scans detected a muscle injury in the back of Paqueta’s left thigh.
“Paqueta underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh,” the CBF said in an official statement.
“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,” the statement added.
According to ESPN, Paqueta has sustained a grade-two hamstring strain, an injury that typically requires around three weeks of recovery.
Round of 16 Against Norway Ruled Out
The injury has already ruled Paqueta out of Brazil’s Round of 16 clash against Norway in New Jersey on Sunday (local time).
With the recovery timeline extending to approximately three weeks, it remains uncertain whether the midfielder will be able to return if Brazil progress deeper into the tournament. His participation in the remainder of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now in serious doubt.
Paqueta has been a vital component of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, providing creativity, work rate and balance throughout Brazil’s campaign.
Martinelli’s Late Winner Sends Brazil Through
Despite losing Paqueta, Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 after an entertaining 2-1 victory over Japan.
Japan stunned the five-time world champions in the first half through Kaishu Sano, who intercepted possession deep inside his own half before embarking on a sensational 40-yard run and firing past goalkeeper Alisson to hand the Asian side a 1-0 lead.
Brazil struggled to create clear-cut chances before the break, with Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki enjoying a relatively comfortable opening 45 minutes.
The momentum shifted after the interval.
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, allowing experienced midfielder Casemiro to power home a header and restore parity.
With the match heading towards extra time, Brazil produced one final moment of quality.
Danilo regained possession deep in Japan’s half before finding Endrick, who intelligently laid the ball into the path of Bruno Guimaraes. The Newcastle United midfielder threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who calmly controlled the ball and slotted it into the far corner in the 95th minute, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Brazil will now face Norway in the Round of 16 but could be without one of their key midfielders for the remainder of the competition.