Raphinha has been officially named in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Barcelona captain is set to make his second World Cup appearance after featuring in the 2022 tournament, where Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Despite recurring physical issues, Raphinha delivered a strong season for Barcelona, scoring 21 goals and providing 8 assists in 33 appearances. He played a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup triumphs, solidifying his status as one of the team’s most reliable attacking players.

Ancelotti admitted selecting 26 players for Brazil was extremely difficult due to fierce competition. Several notable players were omitted, but Raphinha’s inclusion was never in doubt because of his consistent performances and impact on the pitch.

What this means

Now at a more mature phase of his career, Raphinha carries greater experience and leadership responsibilities than in 2022. He is poised to be one of Brazil’s main attacking threats alongside stars like Neymar and Vinicius Junior.

His selection reflects trust from the coaching staff in his ability to overcome injury concerns and perform at the highest level. Unlike his early adaptation period at Barcelona in 2022, he now arrives more confident and proven, ready to excel on the world stage.

For Barcelona, Raphinha’s form coming out of the World Cup will be crucial to inspire the squad in the new season. For Brazil, he represents a vital weapon in the quest for their sixth World Cup trophy.

Ultimately, his presence in the squad underscores his importance to both Brazil and Barcelona, marking him as a leader expected to influence major upcoming tournaments.