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By Megan Armstrong
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Legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti took over the Brazil men's national team in May 2025.
"A foreigner crossing the ocean to take on the complicated ecosystem of Brazilian football and guiding the green-and-gold to their record sixth World Cup in 2026? Now that hasn't been done. If there's one coach who could change that, it's Ancelotti," ESPN's Gabriele Marcotti wrote at the time of his hiring.
Brazil need Ancelotti's managerial mastery more than ever entering the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup.
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Brazil already lost Raphinha to a hamstring injury against Haiti on June 19. While the Seleção took care of Scotland, 3-0, without him in the group finale, they barely outlasted Japan in the Round of 32 on Monday, June 30.
Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá exited Brazil's 2-1 win over Japan in the 45th minute due to a leg injury, and his prognosis took a devastating turn by Tuesday.
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ESPN Brasil reported that imaging revealed Paquetá suffered a grade 2 muscle injury in his left thigh, casting doubt on his availability for the rest of this World Cup. Paquetá will "follow an intensive treatment protocol, monitored by the medical team, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as soon as possible."
Paquetá had started every game of this World Cup for Brazil so far.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Paquetá will miss Brazil's match against Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 5.
Now, this doesn't mean Brazil are suddenly uncompetitive. They still boast Alisson in goal, an exceptional backline, and, oh yeah, Vinícius Júnior. Brazil are down key starters, but the ingredients are still there for Ancelotti to do what he's always done: win a major tournament.
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