Raphinha was back in Brazil training on Friday, a step forward after the hamstring injury that forced him out of the 3-0 win over Haiti on June 19. World Soccer Talk readers following the round of 16 buildup now have a clearer picture: Brazil may be closer to getting one attacker back, but not for Sunday against Norway.
He lasted 40 minutes against Haiti before limping off, then missed Brazil’s group stage finale against Scotland and the round of 32 match against Japan. The return to group work at the Columbia Park high-performance center in New Jersey is the first sign of movement after the isolated sessions he completed on his own.
Raphinha back, but not Sunday
The practical read for Brazil is simple. Raphinha is training again, yet he is still not expected to play against Norway. According to Mundo Deportivo, he is likely to sit out as a precaution while he keeps working toward full fitness for a potential quarterfinals appearance.
That leaves Carlo Ancelotti with one major absence still unresolved. Lucas Paquetá is the only other player missing from the squad, and his thigh injury rules him out of Sunday’s clash.
Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha
Without Raphinha, the scoring load falls again on Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha. Rayan is expected to complete the frontline on Sunday, which keeps Brazil’s attacking shape intact even if the preferred winger is still held back.
The opponent brings its own pressure. Erling Haaland has five goals in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup and sits third in the Golden Boot race, so Brazil’s fitness picture matters now, not later. If Raphinha stays on the bench, the attack still has to answer that threat without one of its usual starters.
Columbia Park and the quarterfinals
Friday’s training session gave Brazil a partial lift, not a full solution. Raphinha is back with the group, but the injury that sidelined him for two knockout-stage matches still makes Sunday a step too soon.
For Brazil, the next question is whether he can turn this return to training into match readiness for a potential quarterfinals appearance. That is the stage his recovery is now aimed at, and Sunday will be about preserving the option rather than forcing it.
