Lucas Paquetá set up Brazil’s crucial goal as they secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, getting their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign back on track Friday night.
The West Ham midfielder has had an inconsistent start to the season, showing glimpses of his talent, including a penalty against Aston Villa in the Premier League opener. Despite these moments, Paquetá has yet to hit his stride for the Hammers, with speculation that the ongoing FA investigation may be affecting his club performances.
Internationally, however, Paquetá has been in fine form, excelling in both the Copa America over the summer and during Brazil’s recent matches. With Brazil coming off three consecutive losses, the pressure was on for a positive result against Ecuador, and Paquetá was instrumental in delivering just that.
In his 51st appearance for Brazil, Paquetá provided a pinpoint pass to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo at the half-hour mark. Rodrygo controlled the ball, turned, and fired a stunning 25-yard strike that ricocheted off the inside of the post and into the net.
That lone goal proved decisive as Brazil held on for the win, with Paquetá being substituted after 74 minutes. Brazil now sits fourth in the South American qualifiers with 10 points from seven matches. The top six teams from the 18-match campaign will secure a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-place team will enter a playoff.
The man will have pride and playing well at his home club will help him with a transfer, if that’s what he wants.
If he goes to Man City could get less game time.
The difference between Brazil and west ham , is that he actually wants to play for Brazil! Let’s be honest, he has made it perfectly clear he wants to leave , the only reason he’s still with us is because he has to be