2026 FIFA World Cup: Raphinha Joins Brazil Lists of Injury Worries

Brazil have been dealt a fresh injury concern after winger Raphinha was forced off during the first half of their FIFA World Cup Group C clash against Haiti with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

The Barcelona star started the match as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking lineup but was unable to continue after suffering discomfort during the opening period.

Medical staff attended to the 29-year-old before he was substituted, raising immediate concerns over his condition.

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The incident will be particularly worrying for both Brazil and Barcelona given Raphinha’s recent history with hamstring issues.

Earlier this year, the winger missed several weeks after sustaining a right hamstring injury while on international duty, and Brazil’s coaching staff had been carefully managing his workload heading into the World Cup.

Raphinha had been one of Brazil’s key attacking threats in the tournament and was expected to play a major role as the five-time world champions sought to strengthen their position in Group C after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco.

As of now, neither the Brazilian Football Confederation nor head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided an official diagnosis.

The extent of the injury is expected to become clearer after medical examinations in the coming hours.

With crucial group-stage fixtures still ahead, Brazil will be hoping the substitution was merely precautionary and that Raphinha’s apparent hamstring issue does not rule him out of the remainder of the tournament.

Any prolonged absence would be a significant blow to the Seleção’s World Cup ambitions, given his importance in the final third and Brazil’s existing injury concerns within the squad.

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