During Brazil’s second group stage match against Haiti at the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia, Raphinha sustained an injury and was forced off the field in the first half.
Raphinha started the match under coach Carlo Ancelotti but after missing a few chances he did not join the celebrations of Brazil’s second goal and was substituted by Rayan shortly afterwards. He appeared upset and after examination by the medical staff talked briefly with teammate Vinícius Júnior before leaving the pitch.
Initial reports and footage from Brazilian media suggest a right thigh injury, which may be a relapse of a similar problem Raphinha suffered last March. That injury sidelined him for about one and a half months and caused him to miss both legs of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid.
The extent of the injury and recovery timeline will be clearer after further medical tests planned over the weekend.
This development adds to Barcelona’s injury concerns, given other players are also struggling at the start of the World Cup, including Ronald Araújo. Club-level squad decisions and match availability remain uncertain at this stage.
