3 July 2026
Paqueta's Injury Casts Shadow Over Brazil's Norway Clash
Brazil head into their last-16 meeting with Norway carrying a major midfield headache after Lucas Paqueta limped off against Japan.
Brazil's progress at the 2026 World Cup has come at a cost. According to beIN Sports, Lucas Paqueta suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-1 victory over Japan and had to leave the field at halftime, replaced by teenage forward Endrick.
The report confirms Paqueta will not be available for Brazil's round-of-16 fixture against Norway in New Jersey on Sunday, with his recovery described as a race against time for any potential involvement later in the tournament.
Gabriel Martinelli's goal secured Brazil's place in the last 16, but the mood in the camp has been tempered by concern over one of their most influential midfielders heading into the toughest phase of the competition.
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