Former West Ham star Lucas Paqueta earns Brazil World Cup spot ahead of two Chelsea players
Former West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Although Paqueta has earned 61 caps for the national team, many expected his international career to be over.
The 28-year-old faced a potential lifetime ban from football for spot-fixing, but he was cleared of all charges in December.
He then pushed for a move away from West Ham in the January transfer window and returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo.
Paqueta’s recent form has earned him a call-up ahead of two Chelsea players, including their Player of the Season.
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Lucas Paqueta beats Chelsea duo to place in Brazil World Cup squad
Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup on Monday, which included several controversial decisions.
Paqueta learned that he will be joining Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and many other stars on the plane to the United States.
The midfielder has made 21 appearances for Flamengo since joining from West Ham, scoring seven goals.
Even though he has missed several games with a hamstring injury, Paqueta has done enough to impress Ancelotti.
His inclusion probably came at the expense of Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos, who has not played regularly for the Blues lately.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Player of the Season, Joao Pedro, was arguably the biggest exclusion from the Brazil squad.
Pedro has 29 goal contributions in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, but Ancelotti still preferred Paqueta as an attacking option.
West Ham fans might be surprised that Paqueta is rated so highly by Ancelotti, given that he often underwhelmed in England.
It is also fair to suggest that Hammers supporters may not be cheering for him this summer after his abrupt departure.
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