Paquetá out, and Brazil sweat on their attack
Ancelotti loses his 'irreplaceable' midfielder — as Norway arrive with a record no one has beaten.
Four hours out, the freshest news lands from Brazil's camp. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Lucas Paquetá is unavailable, calling the midfielder irreplaceable in quality — while holding out hope that Raphinha and Neymar can return to reinforce the front line.
That matters more than usual. Norway carry a strange souvenir: among the 88 teams Brazil have met in men's internationals, only they hold an unbeaten record against the five-time world champions. Two wins, two draws in four meetings, one of them a group victory at the 1998 World Cup. A cold footnote — but a delicious one.
The live danger, of course, is Erling Haaland. Bruno Guimarães says the plan is to starve him of service, warning that a single ball is enough for the striker to settle a match. Brazil looked exposed against Japan when runners slipped in behind; Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner spared them there.
Brazil are strong favourites. Norway won't read the script.
Written and fact-checked by our AI preview desk from live match data. Refreshed as kickoff nears.
