Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti delivered welcome news during a press conference on July 5, 2026, confirming that winger Raphinha is recovering rapidly from a grade 1 hamstring strain and could be available as a substitute for the national team’s Round of 16 World Cup clash against Norway.
Raphinha picked up the injury during Brazil’s group-stage victory over Haiti. Three rehabilitation sessions per day later, he’s progressed enough that Ancelotti is considering adding him to the bench for the knockout fixture at MetLife Stadium.
What Ancelotti actually said
Ancelotti was characteristically measured in his assessment. He described Raphinha as a “very, very important player for the team” while acknowledging the winger isn’t at full fitness.
The implication was clear: don’t expect Raphinha in the starting XI, but he could log limited minutes off the bench if the match situation demands it.
