Mauricio seeks to cement Palmeiras midfield role amid Paraguay World Cup chance | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Fifa approved Mauricio's Paraguayan naturalisation last Wednesday, making him eligible for a June World Cup call-up. The timing boosts his bid to cement a central role for Palmeiras.

With Raphael Veiga leaving for América in Mexico, he has a clear run at the playmaker role and has started the club's biggest games.

He scored in a 3-1 win over São Paulo in the Campeonato Paulista, then netted against Vitória in Palmeiras' first home Brasileirão match. In last weekend's Dérbi with Corinthians, his shot led to Flaco López's goal after Hugo Souza's rebound.

Even so, his place is not assured. Competition will rise with Jhon Arias arriving and Paulinho nearing a return, set to begin his physical transition after shin surgery.

When the pair are available, Abel could tweak Palmeiras' approach, which may affect Mauricio. Staying at a high level before the World Cup matters.

He has another chance to underline his value on Thursday, away to Internacional in the Brasileirão at 21:30 Brasília time.

One of Palmeiras' major 2024 signings, he is still chasing full validation. In 2025 he played 53 games, scored 10 goals and delivered 11 assists despite alternating starts.

Source: Globo.com