Mauricio's stock rises with Brazil, among Palmeiras call-ups | OneFootball

Palmeiras had seven players called up for the 2026 World Cup, but none of them will return to the club with as significant a change in status as Mauricio. The midfielder, who had not even made his debut for Paraguay’s senior national team just months before the tournament, made the most of his opportunity, earned more space, and increased his market value.

Mauricio became a naturalized Paraguayan at the beginning of 2026 and received his first call-up in March, initially for friendlies against Greece and Morocco. Shortly afterward, he was included among the 26 players selected to represent Paraguay at the World Cup.

At the tournament, the midfielder managed to turn the opportunity into a leading role. Mauricio scored against the United States and began to receive greater recognition in the Paraguay shirt. His international performances come at a time when the player is attracting interest from clubs abroad, with the market closely monitoring his future at Palmeiras.

The situation is different for most of Verdão’s other representatives. Gustavo Gómez arrived at the World Cup as Paraguay’s captain and technical leader and maintained that level, including standout performances during the competition. Jhon Arias also remained one of Colombia’s key players and a regular starter.

Among the other Paraguayans, Ramón Sosa had less of a starring role and was unable to replicate with the national team the place he had been earning at Palmeiras. Meanwhile, the Uruguayan duo of Joaquín Piquerez and Emiliano Martínez spent the tournament as options on the bench.

Flaco López, in turn, experienced a similar situation. The center forward had already earned a place in Argentina’s call-ups before the World Cup, but he remained an alternative in the attacking sector of the reigning world champions and had limited opportunities amid strong competition.

Thus, among Palmeiras’ seven representatives at the World Cup — Gustavo Gómez, Mauricio, Ramón Sosa, Piquerez, Emiliano Martínez, Flaco López, and Jhon Arias — Mauricio was the one who showed the greatest rise in status. Previously a newcomer on the international stage, the midfielder returns to Verdão more highly valued, with World Cup experience and greater visibility in the international market.

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