2026 World Cup: Raphinha out against Norway in the last 16, Brazil lose their winger
Brazil will have to make do without Raphinha for Sunday night’s last-16 clash with Norway. The Barcelona winger, who picked up a right hamstring injury in the match against Haiti, has not been able to get back to full fitness in time. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player took part in an individual workout to test his physical condition, but the final assessment ruled him out of the game. Carlo Ancelotti had wanted to have him available, but the medical staff made the call.
Since the injury against Haiti, which forced him off before half-time, Raphinha has missed two straight matches: the final group game against Scotland and the round-of-16 tie with Japan. His absence will now stretch to a third consecutive game at this World Cup, a worrying run for a player who has been plagued by muscle issues throughout the season. Barcelona’s medical team is monitoring his progress alongside Brazil’s staff.
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A quarter-final return is the hope, but Brazil must cope without him
The good news, if it comes, could arrive in the quarter-finals. If Brazil get past Norway, Raphinha could be back in the squad for the rest of the tournament. Muscle injuries like this usually need two to three weeks of recovery, and the schedule leaves a possible opening if he keeps making progress.
For now, Ancelotti will have to find a way to cover for the absence of his first-choice right winger against a Norway side led by the dangerous Isak-Gyokeres duo. Brazil have enough depth in the squad to absorb the blow, but Raphinha has still been one of their key players since the start of the tournament. A proper test of the Selecao’s bench strength.
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