Ancelotti looks for Paquetá’s replacement for World Cup Round of 16 match against Norway

By:Luzia AiresBrazilian Team02/07/2026at 22:30

With Paquetá injured, Ancelotti faces a crucial challenge in setting the lineup for the Brazil national team’s Round of 16 clash against Norway.

The Brazil national team is facing a decisive moment in the World Cup. On the eve of the Round of 16 showdown against Norway, scheduled for this Sunday at 5:00 PM, head coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing a tactical dilemma. An injury to Lucas Paquetá, who suffered a grade 2 tear in his left thigh, has ruled the talented midfielder out for the remainder of the competition, forcing the coach to redesign part of his setup for the knockout match.

Paquetá‘s absence is not just a technical blow but a strategic void in the team’s midfield. The pressure is immense, as success in the World Cup depends directly on Ancelotti‘s ability to find the ideal formation that maintains the team’s attacking strength and defensive consistency.

The favorite to replace Paquetá

The name gaining traction behind the scenes to replace Lucas Paquetá is Danilo Santos. The midfielder, who was initially called up as an alternative to Bruno Guimarães, has shown versatility and the ability to play in a more advanced role, filling the space left by the Flamengo player. His inclusion would reinforce the midfield, providing more solidity to the team.

Tactical adjustments and lessons from the last match

Bringing Endrick on for Paquetá in the previous match against Japan was an emergency solution. In that game, with Brazil trailing, Ancelotti sought to increase offensive firepower by dropping Matheus Cunha into the midfield. The strategy worked, culminating in a 2-1 comeback, but it does not reflect the ideal plan for a World Cup match, which requires greater balance.

Initial plan disrupted and the search for consistency

Ancelotti‘s initial plan for this World Cup, which featured a scheme with four attackers and two midfielders, has been altered by a series of factors. Significant injuries, such as that of Estêvão, and internal team evaluations that called for greater consistency in the midfield, led to Lucas Paquetá becoming a starter. Now, the goal is to readjust that balance.

Other attacking options and the decisive training session

In addition to Danilo Santos, Gabriel Martinelli emerges as an interesting alternative. Although he is a wide attacker, Martinelli has played more centrally, demonstrating adaptability. Other names such as Endrick, Igor Thiago, and even Neymar could be called upon during the game if the team needs more offensive impetus. Final decisions are expected to be made in this Friday’s training session at the Columbia Park training center in New Jersey.

Lucas Paquetá‘s absence is undoubtedly a setback for the Brazil national team, but it is also an opportunity for Ancelotti to show his tactical genius. The match against Norway in the World Cup Round of 16 will be a baptism by fire for the coach’s choices, defining Brazil‘s future in the most coveted tournament in world football. The nation anxiously awaits the new lineup that will strive for the much-desired spot in the quarterfinals.