Raphinha Eyes Return: Brazil May Field Him vs Norway

Raphinha remains a headline name as Brazil heads into the round‑of‑16 match against Norway on July 5, 2026. The Barcelona winger, sidelined by a hamstring injury since June 19, sits on the bench but could see up to 30 minutes of action, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti confirmed on July 3 that Raphinha took part in a training session and is now listed as a reserve for the Norway game. The striker’s last appearance was the 2‑0 win over Haiti, where the injury occurred. If Brazil wins, the quarter‑final opponent will be the England‑Mexico winner on July 11.

Brazil has won every match without Raphinha, but his absence has forced tactical tweaks. Ancelotti has repeatedly praised the winger, calling him “the best in the world at attacking depth.” Without his pace on the flank, Brazil has relied on tighter defensive shape and midfield creativity to compensate.

Raphinha chose not to travel with the squad to Houston after the Japan win, aiming to preserve his routine and avoid the strain of a three‑hour flight. He returned to the training ground on Friday, July 3, and is working on regaining full speed. Fabrizio Romano quoted the player saying, “I love my country, I love playing for the Seleção, I will do my best to recover as soon as possible.”

Should Ancelotti bring Raphinha on, he is expected to stay close to the defensive line before making forward runs, a tactic the manager outlined on June 1. The plan is to use his attacking depth without compromising defensive balance. Even a short cameo could provide a spark, especially if Brazil needs a goal in a tight knockout encounter.

A victory over Norway would set up a clash with either England or Mexico on July 11 at 5 p.m. Both opponents possess strong defensive units, making Raphinha’s speed and ability to stretch play valuable assets. Ancelotti hinted that optimism surrounding the winger’s availability has risen sharply after the earlier pessimism faded.

Social media buzz shows Brazilian supporters eager to see their star back. Diaro Sport posted on July 3 that “optimism with Raphinha” is growing, and many fans are counting on his contribution to push Brazil into the semi‑finals.

Raphinha’s status will be clarified shortly before kickoff. If he steps onto the pitch, even for a brief spell, it could tip the balance in Brazil’s favor as the tournament reaches its knockout stage.