Brazil have received a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s World Cup 2026 round-of-16 meeting with Norway, with Barcelona winger Raphinha declared fit to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Selecao booked their place in the last 16 with victories over Scotland and Japan despite being without one of their key attacking players, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed that Raphinha is available once again.
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Raphinha back after injury lay-off
Raphinha has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury during Brazil’s Group C victory over Haiti, forcing him to sit out the subsequent wins over Scotland and Japan.
However, Ancelotti revealed ahead of the Norway showdown that the winger is ready to return to the matchday squad, although he is not expected to start at MetLife Stadium.
The Barcelona star’s availability gives Brazil another dangerous option from the bench as they look to overcome a Norway side that has impressed throughout the tournament.
Paqueta misses out as Casemiro recovers
While Brazil welcome one important player back, they will also be without Lucas Paqueta. The midfielder was forced off at half-time during the dramatic last-16 victory over Japan after suffering a hamstring problem and has been ruled out of Sunday’s encounter.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro, who also left the field before Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Japan, has recovered in time and is expected to start.
Danilo Santos is likely to replace Paqueta in midfield, with Ancelotti otherwise expected to keep faith with the side that edged past Japan.
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Vinicius Jr leading Brazil’s attack
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha is set to retain his place despite failing to add to his three World Cup goals against Japan before being substituted after 65 minutes.
That means Gabriel Martinelli, whose late winner sent Brazil through to the last 16, is expected to begin among the substitutes once again, while teenage striker Endrick is also likely to start on the bench.
Much of Brazil’s attacking hopes will continue to rest on Vinicius Jr, who has been one of the standout performers of the tournament.
The Real Madrid winger has already scored four goals and provided one assist in North America, putting himself firmly in contention for the Golden Boot alongside Norway’s Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
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Predicted Brazil XI
Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
Unavailable: Lucas Paqueta (hamstring).
Back in squad: Raphinha (hamstring).