Brazil rolled into the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup with serious momentum, but the road there came at a cost.
A 1-1 draw against Morocco opened the tournament, followed by back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland that put Brazil firmly in control of their group. The win over Haiti, though, left the squad with a problem that's now shaping their next move.
Raphinha went down in the first half against Haiti after grabbing his right thigh, and the scans that followed confirmed another hamstring injury. It's the fourth time in the past year the Barcelona winger has dealt with the same issue, and it's left his status for the rest of the tournament in real doubt.
REUTERS - Dylan Martinez
Will Raphinha Play Against Japan?
Raphinha is not expected to be available for Monday's Round of 32 matchup against Japan at Houston Stadium in Texas.
Brazil has kept him with the squad as he works through rehab, holding onto hope he could return somewhere in the knockout stage, but reports from Brasil Football indicate he won't even travel with the team for this one as he continues physiotherapy.
The earliest realistic timeline for a comeback now points to the quarterfinals. The injury has clearly taken a toll beyond the physical side. Reports suggest Raphinha broke down after learning how serious the issue was, and his wife revealed he was devastated during an emotional phone call.
Hamstring problems have followed him through recent seasons, costing him 23 matches for Barcelona last year alone.
Brazil Without Raphinha
Losing Raphinha forces Carlo Ancelotti into a tough adjustment at the worst possible time. Brazil has leaned heavily on his pace, his pressing and his habit of drifting inside from the right, and without that threat, defenses get an easier path to staying organized.
Rayan steps into that role now, and taking on that kind of responsibility on this stage comes with real pressure attached. That shift puts more weight on the rest of Brazil's attack.
Vinicius Junior figures to carry a bigger share of the offensive load, while Matheus Cunha's finishing and Bruno Guimaraes' work in midfield become even more critical. Brazil does get one piece of good news with Neymar back from a calf injury.
The veteran, who has already confirmed this will be his final World Cup, returned to full training and played in the group finale against Scotland. His leadership shows up at the right moment, and his pull on defenders could open space for Vinicius and Cunha as Brazil adjusts to life without one of its top wingers.
