Raphinha

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Raphinha's Prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Analysis and Latest News

Brazilian winger Raphinha, currently playing for Barcelona, holds strong prospects for inclusion in the Brazil squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite recent injury setbacks. His exceptional form in the 2024/25 season and his adaptable role within the national team highlight his importance, though maintaining fitness will be crucial.

Current Form and Latest News:

Raphinha has been grappling with hamstring injuries during the 2025/2026 season at Barcelona, which led to him missing approximately two months of play after two relapses. He has taken responsibility for these setbacks, attributing them to his eagerness to return to the pitch sooner. As of early November 2025, Barcelona was optimistic about his return from a six-week absence, with a muscle tear in his right thigh being the initial diagnosis.

Despite these injury challenges, Raphinha's previous season, 2024/25, was a "breakout campaign" under coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona. During this period, he netted an impressive 34 goals and provided 22 assists across 57 matches, contributing to Barcelona winning a second league title, the Spanish Super Cup, and their first Copa del Rey. His stellar performances saw him ranked fifth in the Ballon d'Or voting and named La Liga's best player for the 2024/25 season. In the current 2025/2026 La Liga season, he has scored 7 goals in 11 matches, maintaining a goal involvement rate of 1.28 per 90 minutes.

Analysis of FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects:

Raphinha's outlook for the 2026 World Cup appears positive, with Brazil having already secured qualification. He has consistently been a part of the national setup, featuring in every game for Brazil in the 2022 World Cup and being named in the Team of the Tournament for the 2024 Copa América.

A significant development in his international career is his increasingly central role. Under national team coach Dorival Júnior, Raphinha has been successfully deployed in a more central attacking-midfielder position, mirroring his thriving role at Barcelona. He even wore Brazil's iconic number 10 shirt in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Peru, where he scored twice in a 4-0 victory. This tactical flexibility, combined with his technical proficiency, dribbling ability, and decision-making, makes him a valuable asset for the Seleção.

Several predictions for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad and starting XI include Raphinha, often alongside other prominent attackers like Vinicius Jr. and, if he regains full fitness, Neymar. His ability to press defensively and contribute offensively, as highlighted by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, further solidifies his potential importance to the national team.

The primary challenge for Raphinha will be to manage his fitness and avoid further injuries leading up to the tournament. His recent struggles with hamstring issues indicate a need for careful management to ensure he is in peak condition for the World Cup. However, given his proven track record, his adaptability to a new central role, and his consistent high-level performances when fit, Raphinha is strongly positioned to play a significant role for Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2026.