Raphinha Ruled Out for Norway Clash in World Cup

Raphinha, the Barcelona winger and Brazil international, has been confirmed as unavailable for the Round of 16 match against Norway in the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover from a muscle injury sustained during the tournament.

According to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," the player has not regained full fitness and will miss the match scheduled for Sunday at 11 PM Cairo time, with a possibility of returning in the quarter-finals if Brazil advances.

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the match against Haiti, forcing him to leave the field before halftime, with the Brazilian Football Confederation later confirming the nature of the injury.

Since then, the Barcelona player has missed matches against Scotland in the group stage finale and Japan in the Round of 32, continuing his absence from the national team lineup.

The source added that Barcelona's medical staff is monitoring Raphinha's condition in coordination with the Brazilian national team's medical team, given the recurring muscle injuries the player has faced this year, which have affected his continuity.

Raphinha underwent individual training to assess his physical condition, but the final evaluation ruled out his participation against Norway, despite coach Carlo Ancelotti's desire to rely on him for the match.