{"id":10526,"date":"2026-05-19T11:14:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10526"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:14:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:14:21","slug":"former-west-ham-star-lucas-paqueta-earns-brazil-world-cup-spot-ahead-of-two-chelsea-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10526","title":{"rendered":"Former West Ham star Lucas Paqueta earns Brazil World Cup spot ahead of two Chelsea players"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Former West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta has been named in Carlo Ancelotti\u2019s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Paqueta has earned 61 caps for the national team, many expected his international career to be over.<\/p>\n

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The 28-year-old faced a potential lifetime ban from football for spot-fixing, but he was cleared of all charges in December.<\/p>\n

He then pushed for a move away from West Ham in the January transfer window and returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo.<\/p>\n

Paqueta\u2019s recent form has earned him a call-up ahead of two Chelsea players, including their Player of the Season.<\/p>\n

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How will you remember Lucas Paqueta? \ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Lucas Paqueta beats Chelsea duo to place in Brazil World Cup squad<\/h2>\n

Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup on Monday, which included several controversial decisions.<\/p>\n

Paqueta learned that he will be joining Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and many other stars on the plane to the United States.<\/p>\n

The midfielder has made 21 appearances for Flamengo since joining from West Ham, scoring seven goals.<\/p>\n

Even though he has missed several games with a hamstring injury, Paqueta has done enough to impress Ancelotti.<\/p>\n

His inclusion probably came at the expense of Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos, who has not played regularly for the Blues lately.<\/p>\n

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Which West Ham star do YOU think will go the furthest at the World Cup? \ud83c\udf0e<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Meanwhile, Chelsea\u2019s Player of the Season, Joao Pedro, was arguably the biggest exclusion from the Brazil squad.<\/p>\n

Pedro has 29 goal contributions in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, but Ancelotti still preferred Paqueta as an attacking option.<\/p>\n

West Ham fans might be surprised that Paqueta is rated so highly by Ancelotti, given that he often underwhelmed in England.<\/p>\n

It is also fair to suggest that Hammers supporters may not be cheering for him this summer after his abrupt departure.<\/p>\n

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