Brazil HubWhat happened?
The Brazilian national team finished preparations for the match against Norway with good news. Recovered from injury, Raphinha will be available to Carlo Ancelotti for the match on Sunday (5), at 17h (Brasília time), in New Jersey, for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The confirmation was made by the Italian coach during the press conference held on Saturday (4), a day before the decisive match. According to Ancelotti, the player is not yet in ideal condition, but can be used during the match.
How does this affect the team?
The presence of the number 11 shirt expands the team's offensive options. Additionally, Ancelotti took the opportunity to review the Brazilian team's trajectory so far in the World Cup. In a relaxed tone, the coach assigned grades to the team's performances during the group stage and the round of 16, highlighting a gradual evolution of the team.
What's next?
If on the one hand Ancelotti gained an option with Raphinha's return, on the other hand, he will have an important absence against the Norwegians. Suspended, Lucas Paquetá is out of the match. The coach revealed that he has already defined the substitute, but preferred to keep the mystery about the lineup.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 04/07/2026 | Norway | - |
Who are the key players?
Another topic addressed by the coach was the possibility of Neymar playing alongside Vinicius Júnior. Physically recovered, the number 10 shirt has not yet debuted in the World Cup, but remains one of the main expectations of the Brazilian fans. Ancelotti avoided setting a date for the formation of the duo, but guaranteed that it will
