Raphinha Misses Brazil Clash as Injury Forces Replacement
**Raphinha** sat out Brazil's Group C finale on 24 June 2026 after a training‑ground injury, forcing Carlo Ancelotti to slot forward Rayan into the starting XI for the match against Scotland.
Brazil arrived in Miami for the World Cup showdown with a 3‑0 win over Haiti, but a sudden knock to Raphinha's hamstring during a warm‑up session left the winger unable to travel. Ancelotti announced the change just hours before kick‑off, naming Rayan as the replacement. Scotland, meanwhile, introduced four fresh faces, including striker Lawrence Shankland, in an effort to overturn their 1‑0 loss to Morocco.
Raphinha's pace and dribbling have been a cornerstone of Brazil's flank play. His absence means the trio of Viníus Jr, Matheus Cunha and the newly‑added Rayan must compensate for the lost width. Rayan, who has been a regular substitute this tournament, now partners Viníus Jr and Cunha in a three‑man front line that will rely on quick interchanges and direct runs. Without Raphinha's ability to cut inside and create space, Brazil may adopt a slightly more central approach, feeding the ball through the middle to Casemiro or Bruno Guimarães before releasing it to the forwards.
The Brazilian winger entered the World Cup as a key figure after a strong season with Barcelona, where he logged 12 goals and eight assists. Missing the final group game not only dents his personal tournament stats but also raises questions about his fitness ahead of the knockout stages. Ancelotti hinted that Raphinha could still feature if he recovers quickly, but the medical report suggests a minimum two‑week lay‑off, which would rule him out of Brazil's round‑of‑16 clash.
Brazil still holds a comfortable lead in Group C, having already secured six points. The match against Scotland is effectively a formality, yet a loss could affect morale. With Raphinha sidelined, the team will test its depth, relying on the chemistry between Viníus Jr, Cunha and the freshly promoted Rayan. If the trio can replicate the fluidity shown against Haiti, Brazil should glide past Scotland and keep their title hopes alive.
Neymar, who finally made the bench after recovering from a calf injury, may see limited minutes but remains a strategic option off the bench. Scotland's revamped lineup, featuring Ben Gannon‑Doak and Kenny McLean, adds a new dynamic that could test Brazil's defensive organization. The match will also be a chance for Alisson to keep his clean‑sheet record intact, as Brazil aims to finish the group stage without conceding.
The game kicks off at 20:00 local time at the Hard Rock Stadium, and all eyes will be on how Brazil adapts without Raphinha's trademark flair.