Brazil's likely team against Norway

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a fresh selection dilemma ahead of the Round of 16 clash against Norway. Lucas Paquetá suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil's hard-fought victory over Japan and will miss the match. His absence forces Ancelotti to adjust the balance of both midfield and attack.

Brazil will take on Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday at 2:00 a.m. Bangladesh time. Their opponents boast world-class stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. As a result, Ancelotti must not only enhance Brazil's attacking threat but also devise a plan to cope with Norway's physicality, aerial strength, and set-piece danger.

Although Ancelotti has not officially confirmed who will replace Paquetá, indications suggest that Gabriel Martinelli is the leading candidate. The Arsenal forward scored the late winner against Japan, and that performance has likely earned him a place in the starting lineup. He is expected to operate on the left side of Ancelotti's diamond formation.

Martinelli's inclusion could also alter Brazil's style of play. With Paquetá in the team, Brazil generally enjoy greater control in midfield, smoother passing combinations, and more fluid positional rotations in attack. Martinelli, on the other hand, offers explosive pace, direct running, and the ability to stretch opposition defenses—qualities Ancelotti may look to exploit against Norway's back line.

Brazil's probable starting XI could feature Alisson Becker in goal, with Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos in defense. Midfield responsibilities are expected to be shared by Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães. If Martinelli replaces Paquetá, Brazil's attack is likely to become more dynamic, with Ryan, Matheus Cunha, and Vinícius Júnior leading the frontline.

Brazil's biggest concern against Norway will be Haaland. The objective will not simply be to contain him inside the penalty area, but to prevent the ball from reaching him altogether. Bruno Guimarães has also emphasized that stopping the supply to Haaland is crucial, as the Norwegian striker is capable of deciding a match with a single opportunity.

Although Raphinha has recovered from injury, he is not yet fit enough to start. Ancelotti has confirmed that while the winger has not fully regained match fitness, he could be named on the bench and introduced later depending on the game's circumstances. His presence would provide Brazil with an experienced option on the right flank in the second half.

Brazil had to work extremely hard to overcome Japan in the previous round. After falling behind, Casemiro equalized before Martinelli scored a dramatic late winner. While the overall performance was not entirely convincing, knockout football is ultimately about securing results—and Brazil accomplished that.

The challenge against Norway, however, will be very different. Brazil have never beaten Norway, with two draws and two defeats in their previous four meetings. One of those defeats came at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, when Norway claimed a memorable 2–1 victory over the Seleção. Ancelotti's side now has the opportunity to end that unwanted record.

Paquetá's absence is therefore more than just a personnel change—it represents a significant tactical test for Brazil. The combination of Martinelli's pace, Bruno Guimarães' creativity, Casemiro's control, and Vinícius Júnior's individual brilliance will need to provide the balance Brazil require against Norway.

A victory in this Round of 16 encounter would send Brazil into the quarter-finals. Before that, however, the Seleção must overcome Haaland's Norway, break a long-standing historical hoodoo, and prove they can succeed without Paquetá in the lineup.