Brazil have been handed a significant boost ahead of their World Cup 2026 round-of-16 clash against Norway today, with Barcelona winger Raphinha returning to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Raphinha will not start the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Team News and Injuries
Raphinha missed Brazil's previous two victories over Scotland and Japan after sustaining the injury during the Group C win against Haiti. Ancelotti stated that the winger is fit enough to play a part but will begin on the bench. Meanwhile, Lucas Paqueta is unavailable due to a hamstring issue he picked up in the Japan game, where he was substituted at half-time. Danilo Santos is expected to replace him in midfield.
Casemiro, who opened the scoring against Japan before being withdrawn, is ready to face Norway. Ancelotti is unlikely to make sweeping changes to the starting lineup that secured Brazil's place in the last 16. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha is set to retain his place despite failing to add to his three tournament goals before being replaced after 65 minutes against Japan.
Predicted Lineup and Key Players
Brazil's predicted XI (4-3-3) is: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr. Gabriel Martinelli, who scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Japan, is likely to be among the substitutes again, along with teenage forward Endrick.
Much of Brazil's attacking threat will rest on Vinicius Jr, who has been one of the tournament's standout performers. The Real Madrid forward has scored four goals and registered one assist, competing with Norway's Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 9pm BST on Sunday July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. It will be broadcast live on ITV1. The winner will face England or Mexico in the quarter-finals.
