2026 World Cup: why Paquetá is Brazil's ideal third midfielder | OneFootball

Among all the surprises unveiled by Carlo Ancelotti when confirming Brazil’s final squad list for the 2026 World Cup, the main one was the return of Lucas Paquetá, who had been left out of the last international break.

This will be the World Cup of the Flamengo star’s career. At 28, he is expected to play an important role in Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth world title. However, although he was an undisputed starter in 2022, there are no guarantees he will get the same amount of playing time this time around.

It seems almost certain that Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães will be the first choices in midfield. But while Danilo and Fabinho are hoping to claim the third spot in the sector if Ancelotti opts for a 4-3-3 system, Paquetá should be the next name in the starting lineup.

Experience in major tournaments

Although Danilo impressed Ancelotti during the last international window, the matches against France and Croatia were his first in the national team shirt. The Botafogo standout has proven to be a talented player, but experience is a vital factor in a World Cup.

Paquetá, on the other hand, is a player with 61 international appearances and is accustomed to the high-pressure knockout football seen on the world stage. He has already proven that he can perform in that atmosphere, even scoring a goal and providing an assist in the knockout stage in Qatar.

There is a strong chance he can provide a similar spark in 2026, having found the net seven times this season for Flamengo. Those who believe Paquetá can make a similar impact at the World Cup can use a Betsul promo code to back the player and the Brazil national team in the matches.

Chemistry with the attacking stars

That international background also brings chemistry. Paquetá has frequently played with many of the forwards called up for the World Cup, including Vinícius Júnior and Neymar, with whom he shares a close bond on and off the pitch.

As a potential playmaker alongside Guimarães and Casemiro, it is crucial that the chosen player can bring dynamism and connect the team. Fabinho does not fit that profile, being better known for his defensive intelligence, but Paquetá certainly does.

Making the most of his strong relationships with the attacking players will give the team greater fluidity. As a result, Brazil will become much more difficult for opponents to neutralize.

Tactical development makes him valuable to Ancelotti

Although Paquetá may be seen purely as the attacking option in midfield, that does not tell the whole story. Playing for Flamengo, he often drops deep to receive the ball between the two center-backs, starting the team’s attacking transition.

However, he can also show up in the box as a surprise option, operate out wide, or take on a more disciplined marking role if needed. He is currently averaging four ball recoveries and 1.5 tackles per game in the Brazilian Championship, highlighting how he has become a more complete and versatile player than Fabinho and Danilo.

This development has already earned him praise from Ancelotti in the past, a coach who appreciates the variety of tactical options Paquetá offers over 90 minutes. This aspect, combined with the previous factors, cements him as the standout option to complete the midfield trio on the road to the World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.