Brazil Get Huge Raphinha Fitness Lift Just In Time For Norway Showdown

Brazil winger Raphinha made his return to national team training on Friday, a positive development for manager Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares his squad for their upcoming clash with Norway this weekend.

Raphinha picked up a hamstring problem during the Seleção's 3–0 victory over Haiti on June 19, managing just 40 minutes in the group stage encounter before being forced off. The 29-year-old subsequently sat out Brazil's final group stage match against Scotland and their round of 32 fixture against Japan.

With the round of 16 now approaching, Raphinha wrapped up his individual recovery sessions and linked back up with the squad at the Columbia Park high-performance facility in New Jersey. The only absentee remaining in Ancelotti's group is Lucas Paquetá, who continues to deal with a thigh problem.

The midfielder has been ruled out of Sunday's encounter with Norway, but Raphinha's comeback has sparked optimism that the Barcelona forward could take to the field at MetLife Stadium.

Will Raphinha Play for Brazil vs. Norway?

Despite rejoining group training, Raphinha is still not anticipated to feature against Norway. According to Mundo Deportivo, the attacker will be kept out of the match as a precautionary measure, with the focus instead on building him back to full fitness ahead of a potential quarterfinals appearance.

The Spanish publication reports Raphinha will likely still occupy a spot on Ancelotti's bench to cheer on his teammates in what is set to be an exciting contest against Erling Haaland and company. The Manchester City striker sits third in the Golden Boot standings, having netted five goals across just three outings at the 2026 World Cup.

Ancelotti's backline must perform at its peak to contain Haaland; if they fall short, the attack will need to match his scoring output. Without Raphinha available, the goalscoring responsibility will once again rest heavily on Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha.

Bournemouth winger Rayan is set to round out Brazil's attacking line on Sunday. The young talent has made a strong impression in Raphinha's absence, generating six chances across his two starts while also contributing an assist.

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Raphinha Targets Brazil's Potential Quarterfinals Clash

Should Raphinha indeed sit out against Norway, his full attention will shift toward the quarterfinals—provided Brazil advance that far. The Seleção are set to face the winner of Mexico vs. England in Miami on July 11.

Raphinha would gain an additional week to sharpen his fitness before facing either opponent, though he would have limited time to ease himself back into competitive action. After spending three weeks on the sidelines, he would be thrust straight into the most significant match of his international career.

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It would be an ideal moment for Raphinha to rediscover his best form on the international stage. Despite his impressive record at Barcelona, the 29-year-old has managed just 11 goals in 41 outings for Brazil. He has gone without a goal in his last nine appearances for the Seleção, with his most recent strike coming in March 2025.

With a potential semifinal berth on the line, Brazil cannot afford to reintegrate Raphinha only for him to fail to deliver when it matters most.