Paquetá’s Brazil World Cup chance grows after Estêvão injury despite Flamengo setback

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·29. April 2026

Paquetá’s Brazil World Cup chance grows after Estêvão injury despite Flamengo setback

Paquetá has impressed again for Flamengo, and Estêvão’s injury has boosted his chances of a Brazil World Cup call-up.

According to ESPN, there were two remaining places in the Seleção Brasileira, contested by Paquetá, Endrick and Igor Thiago. With Estêvão sidelined, coach Carlo Ancelotti then had three slots to fit all three.

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That leaves two places and two contenders, Paquetá and Igor Thiago, so the Flamengo midfielder’s chance appears strong.

However, Paquetá sustained a muscle injury against Bahia in the Campeonato Brasileiro and has no timeframe for a return. He did not travel with the squad to Argentina for the match against Estudiantes.

Flamengo face Estudiantes on Wednesday 29 at 21h30 Brasília time in Argentina, in the third round of the Libertadores group stage. The game will be shown on Rede Globo on free-to-air television and on Paramount+ via streaming.

Source: Coluna Do Fla