Desk News || Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan. However, the five-time world champions were dealt a major setback after experienced midfielders Lucas Paquetá and Casemiro both suffered injuries during the match, raising concerns ahead of the knockout stage.Paquetá appeared uncomfortable late in the first half at Houston's NRG Stadium. Although he returned after the break, he struggled to move freely and was unable to perform at his usual level. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti opted not to take any risks and substituted him early in the second half, bringing on teenage forward Endrick.After the match, Paquetá was seen applying ice to his leg while sitting on the bench, with his concerned expression adding to the worries of Brazilian fans.Casemiro, who scored Brazil's equalising goal, also failed to finish the match. In the third minute of stoppage time, the veteran midfielder went down with what appeared to be a groin injury. Despite receiving medical treatment, he was unable to continue and was replaced by Fabinho.Although Casemiro was later seen celebrating the victory with his teammates, the Brazilian camp has not yet confirmed the severity of his injury.Brazil are scheduled to face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the quarter-finals on July 6 (02:00 BST/06:00 GMT). The availability of both Paquetá and Casemiro will depend on the results of further medical examinations.The two midfielders play a crucial role in Brazil's tactical setup, and the absence of either or both could force Ancelotti to make significant adjustments ahead of the knockout rounds.While Brazil can celebrate securing a place in the last 16, the injuries to two of their most experienced midfielders have overshadowed the victory. The team's immediate focus is now on the medical reports, which will determine whether Paquetá and Casemiro can return in time for the next stage of the tournament.