Raphinha's World Cup Setback
Raphinha suffers recurrent hamstring injury during World Cup match, adding pressure on Brazil
Key Points
Raphinha’s World Cup injury raised fresh concerns because he has already endured repeated hamstring problems: he suffered “three separate hamstring injuries last season” and “missed 23 matches for club and country with the issue in 2025/26, including five internationals between October and January.”
During the match, his injury appeared to be noticeable slightly before he was taken off: he grimaced and received treatment around the 39th minute, with Fox noting it looked like a hamstring injury; Landon Donovan said it could take “7-to-10 days” minimum and often more.
The setback may mirror a recent relapse: reports say the injury could be the “right hamstring” he picked up during a March international duty stint (March 27 vs. France), which sidelined him for about a month and a half—costing him both legs of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid.
Raphinha’s reaction added to the concern: he was “visibly upset while being looked at by the doctors” and had a “chat with Vini Jr. before leaving the pitch,” despite there being “no immediate visible indication of Raphinha’s injury” at first.
Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia on matchday two of the World Cup, but the win was immediately overshadowed by a serious injury concern. Barcelona winger Raphinha was forced off in the 40th minute with what appeared to be a right hamstring problem, adding to an already alarming injury record in 2025/26 Sporting News.
Matheus Cunha scored twice in the first half to give Brazil a 2-0 lead before Raphinha's exit. Vinicius Junior added a third in stoppage time to seal the result. But the mood after the final whistle was defined not by the scoreline, but by the sight of Raphinha grimacing and walking off the pitch — visibly upset as doctors assessed him 101 Great Goals.
Raphinha Hobbles Off in the 40th Minute
The injury first showed around the 39th minute. Raphinha stopped after a sprint and grimaced. Medical staff came onto the pitch to treat him. Fox Sports analyst Landon Donovan said it looked like a hamstring strain and warned recovery would take a minimum of "7-to-10 days" — and often longer Sporting News.
Raphinha had a conversation with Vinicius Junior before leaving the pitch. He was replaced by 19-year-old Rayan, the Bournemouth forward, who made his World Cup debut. According to ESPN, Raphinha was "visibly upset" while being examined by team doctors on the sideline.
Three Hamstring Injuries in One Season Make This Worse
This is not Raphinha's first hamstring scare. He suffered three separate hamstring injuries during the 2025/26 club season. In total, he missed 23 matches for club and country with the issue — including five Brazil internationals between October 2025 and January 2026 101 Great Goals.
The current problem appears to be the same right hamstring he hurt on March 27 during a friendly against France. That injury kept him out for about six weeks. It caused him to miss both legs of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid Sporting News.
Brazil's Attack Looks Thin With Neymar Also Sidelined
Raphinha's injury hits Brazil at the worst time. Neymar is already out with a calf problem and is not expected back until the knockout stage. That means Brazil's two most experienced attacking players are both unavailable for the group stage 101 Great Goals.
Rayan, aged 19, is now the likely starter on the right wing for Brazil's next match against Scotland. He has energy but lacks Raphinha's defensive work rate and set-piece delivery. Vinicius Junior will carry an even bigger creative burden going forward ESPN.
Haiti Eliminated as Brazil Target Group C Top Spot
Haiti's tournament is over. The loss was their fifth straight defeat in this World Cup cycle. They will finish with a dead-rubber game against Morocco. Brazil's 3-0 win keeps them firmly in contention to top Group C 101 Great Goals.
Brazil's next match is against Scotland. A win would likely secure top spot in the group. However, without Raphinha — and with MRI results still pending — the Brazilian camp faces real uncertainty heading into that fixture Sporting News.
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